John Frank Shumaker

John Frank Shumaker passed away on May 5th, 2026, in his home at Tempe, Arizona at the age of ninety-five. He was born January 13th, 1931, to John Henry Shumaker and Ruth Shumaker. His siblings were Granvell, Lois, Raymond, and Alton all of which have passed away.

John was born at his parent’s home on 16th street in Phoenix, Arizona. He attended Madison Elementary School and graduated high school in 1949 from North Phoenix High.

John met the love of his life on what he calls, “sort of a blind date” and soon after Norma graduated high school they were married. They would have celebrated 75 years this June.

John's dad was a cowboy so that is what he became as well. He learned to rope on a Shetland pony named “Chubby.” And helped his dad train many impressive Rope and show horses through the years. John's passion was horses, but he loved baseball to, and at one point had aspirations of going to the big leagues. He played Class C baseball in Phoenix, playing for Coca-Cola and Marston’s Sporting goods. His biggest baseball thrill was being named to the city All-Star team playing first base. He went out for and made his high school baseball team, only to have to give it up because he had to many horses to ride. John eventually went to work for Santa Fe Railway September 1951, he worked his way up from being a stenographer to national Account representative and retired in July 1989. He was an active member of the Chandler Sheriff’s Posse for 25 years, was a 4-H leader and a member of a fraternity known as Delta Nu Alpha.

John and Norma had two children, Carolyn Kay, and John Marshall. They especially enjoyed watching Carolyn play softball and showing her steers and pigs in 4-H and FFA. Carolyn married Tressa Dittmer and have enjoyed many vacations with mom and dad, such as Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, and many places in the states many of which involved golfing and enjoying wine tasting. They enjoyed watching John learn to rope, play baseball and golf and showing pigs in 4-H and FFA. John is married to Amy, and they have children of their own, Travis married to Bailee, Casey Jo soon to be married to Alexander, and Jacob. John and Norma have enjoyed taking the family on trips and sharing great times and growing precious memories.

John was without a doubt one of the kindest most gentle loving men you would ever have the privilege to know. He would meet you once and remember your name forever. He enjoyed making friends and never had a cross word to say about anyone.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity. Most of all, John would want you to celebrate his life and enjoy a laugh and a drink in his honor.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at “Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Funeral Home on Monday May 18th, 2026, at 12:00 pm (Noon) and a reception to follow at Ken McDonald Golf Course from 1:30 to 4:30 pm.