Bob Schumann

Bobby Rae Schumann, the son of Emory and Viola (Zaiser) Schumann, was born on April 13, 1931, into a multi-generational farming family in Hartley, IA. He graduated from Spencer High School in Spencer, IA, and married Donniss Carol Fuller of Spencer in 1951.

While entering high school, Bob’s father told him to drop out of school and work on the farm. However, Bob informed his father that he did not want to drop out of school but wanted to play football. He promised that he would continue to do all his daily chores. His father relented.

Bobby would go on to forge his own path in life, always a leader, headstrong and unshakable. First, Bob enlisted in the Navy, serving four years as a Mess Specialist, including service in the Korean War onboard USS Quincy (CA-71). After the Navy, he tried his hand at farming, but following a severe drought in his first year, and out of funds, he vowed to find a steadier line of work to support his young family.

He found work in the rendering department at a beef slaughter plant. After working six months with a steady paycheck, he decided to make it his career, so he requested and was given the opportunity to work free four extra hours per day, six days a week, in addition to his own full-time hours – for two years. He wanted to learn the business by working in various departments. He eventually became the plant manager. Bob then saved his money and eventually bought his own slaughter plant in Eugene, OR. Bob would have a lifelong career in the beef industry, rising to leadership positions and later enjoying a long consulting career.

Bob’s entrepreneurial side inspired many adventures for him, Donniss, and their five children. One adventure that he and Donniss took was going to Hawaii where he designed and built the first modern beef slaughter plant on the big island. Later, he and Donniss owned and raised horses and ostriches on a ranch outside of Colorado Springs, Colorado for 18 years until the harsh long winters wore them down. So, off to Texas to retire.

The center of his life, though, remained his family and especially Donniss. He decided to marry Donniss when they met at a skating rink, when she was only 14 and he 17, and he did so a few years later. Bobby would explain that the key to a successful marriage is laughter, and he and Donniss enjoyed each other’s company immensely.

His presence in any room was unmistakable. His strength and resonant voice earned him respect. He loved to sing and participate in church activities and entertained his grandchildren with cowboy stories and songs. He loved conversation. He loved his Baptist faith and was a deacon in this very church in Ropesville. Bob was also a voracious reader who, even after losing his sight to macular degeneration, could finish multiple audiobooks in a day, western novels being his favorite. Bobby thoroughly enjoyed life all the way to the end and died peacefully, proudest of his family’s accomplishments and the time he spent in their company.

Bobby passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at The Plaza nursing facility in Lubbock, TX. Preceding Bob in death were his parents, wife Donniss, brother Dwight, and son Steven.

Left to cherish his memory are four of his children, Michael (Ronette) Schumann of Richmond, KY, Kimber Schumann of Beattyville, KY, Mark (Sara) Schumann of San Francisco, CA, Pamela (Curtis) Lillie of Colorado Springs, CO; brothers Rodney (Hermie) Schumann of Colorado Spring, CO, and Sherwood (Melinda) Schumann of Richmond, KY; 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends.

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