David John Schumacher

David John Schumacher, 78, of Tuscarawas Township, Ohio, passed away February 24, 2017. Born in Canton, Ohio, on March 16, 1938, to Homer and Florence Schumacher (nee Oberlin), David lived his entire life in a home located adjacent to the family farm where he was raised. David was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara (nee Kracker); brother LeRoy Schumacher (Betty); daughters Lisa Bowers (Todd) and Sandy Smith (Mark); grandchildren Annalise, Audra, Alexandra and Andrew; and many loving nieces, nephews and extended family members who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother James (Eilene) Schumacher. A 1956 graduate of Washington High School, Massillon, Ohio, David entered the pipefitters apprenticeship program following graduation and spent his entire career working in the trade. He was a member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 94, Canton, Ohio. He also was a lifelong member of Stanwood Community Church and served in the National Guard from 1956-1964. David was an enthusiastic and fun-loving man who enjoyed life, travel, and spent his free time engrossed in many special-interest pastimes and projects. He enjoyed solving unusual mechanical challenges at work and at play. In retirement, he became interested in restoring and building automated musical machines and was an active member of The Musical Box Society International (MBSI) and the Carousel Organ Association of America. Never afraid of tackling a challenge, David was always there to help family and friends with a wide range of interesting projects – big or small. The family will receive friends and relatives on Friday, March 24, 2017 from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Road NE, Massillon, Ohio. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, March 25, 2017, at 11:00 AM at Stanwood Community Church, 14715 Stanwood Street SW, Navarre, Ohio. A brief visitation time will be held prior to the service at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. The family would like to offer sincere thanks and gratitude to Dr. Shruti Trehan and Dr. Susan Cheng, and all the aides and nurses at Aultman Hospice for their loving care and support. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in David's name to The American Cancer Society, Aultman Hospice, the Salvation Army of Massillon, or the Stanwood Community Church Steeple Restoration Fund.