Walter Clarence Schumacher of Largo, Florida, departed this life to be with his Lord and Savior on September 6, 2015. Walter was born in Tampa, Florida, in 1927 to Fay Marie Dutcher Schumacher and Charles Fredrick Schumacher.
He enlisted in the US Navy in 1944, his senior year at Hillsborough High School. He served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater and received a Theater ribbon with star in 1945.
After the war, he worked and attended Florida State University on the G. I. Bill. While there he met and married fellow student, Carolyn P. McCarey and was married in July 1948. Daughter, Susan Marie Schumacher (Vernon) was born there in Tallahassee in 1949. After graduating from Florida State with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Business, he and his family moved to St. Petersburg in 1952 where he lived until 1964.
For several years Walter worked for the Pinellas County Health Department. From 1958 to 1959, he attended Tulane University School of Medicine and received a Master of Science degree in Public Health. Walter joined the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office in October 1962, as a Deputy Sheriff.
In 1965, he met Sandra J. Edwards, and they were married in June 1966 in Ohio. Their first son, Walter Kenneth, was born in 1967, and their second son, Fredrick Herbert was born in 1969.
Walter retired from the Sheriff’s Department as a Sergeant in July of 1986 after twenty-four years of service.
Walter had five grandchildren: Dr. Elizabeth Marie Vernon-Pitts, Amelia Michelle Vernon Gillespie, Trevor, Hannah, and Noah Schumacher; and six great-grandchildren: Ashley, Paige, Michael, Douglas, and Gracie Gillespie, and William Pitts.
A celebration of his life with Military Honors will be held at 1 PM on Friday, September 11, 2015 at New Testament Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, donations are requested in Walter’s name to the Suncoast Hospice Foundation, 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL, 33760 or to New Testament Baptist Church at 2050 Belcher Road South, Largo, FL, 33773.
I’m saddened to hear of Sgt. Schumacher’s passing. During the 60’s I worked with him at the Pinellas Co. Sheriff’s Dept. At one time he was my Sgt. My condolences to his family
Dennis C. Hale
Retired Deputy PCSO
For all the kind friends, neighbors, and family members who attended Dad’s funeral on Friday, I enjoyed talking with you and sincerely thank you for your thoughtfulness.
Being a proud veteran myself,I thank you for you service and hope to meet you in heaven.Patricia(Franks)Watson(USAF).