John Richard "Dick" Shumar

   John Richard “Dick” Shumar, 96, passed away on March 16th. A lifelong Hoosier, Dick was born in Jasper but lived most of his life in Indianapolis. Upon his graduation from Tech High School in 1945, Dick served in the Army Air Corps Reserves and the United States Navy. He would go on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Butler University, and worked for the State Board of Tax Commissioners from 1962 to 1977. In 1979, he started his own business, Shumar Property Tax Appraisals, which he led until his retirement. 

     Dick was a lifelong sports fan. In 1946, he attended his first Indianapolis 500, and that would begin an amazing streak. He would go on to attend 75 consecutive Indy 500s (not counting the 2020 pandemic year). He also attended 29 consecutive NASCAR races at The Brickyard. His racing favorites were A.J. Foyt and Jeff Gordon. Dick’s other sports passions included college basketball, especially his beloved Butler Bulldogs. And he was something of a rarity in that he rooted equally for both Purdue and IU. Dick was an avid tennis player, which he continued to play on a regular basis well into his 90s. He was also very involved in his children’s athletic ventures, having coached 21 different teams in boys’ and girls’ basketball, as well as softball.

     Dick was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Marilyn, his brother Archie, and parents John and Harriet. He is survived by six children: Linda, John (Sarah), Cynthia, Laura (Aaron), James (Anne) and Nancy, nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great grandchildren. 

    Services will be on Friday, March 29th at Flanner Buchanan in Broad Ripple. Viewing begins at 10:00 am, and will be followed by a service at 1:00 pm. Burial to follow at Washington Park North Cemetery.  

Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org