Paul J. Schumacher, Sr.

The Rev. Dr. Paul J. Schumacher, Sr., 90, devoted husband of 66 years, loving dad to 4 children, and beloved Papa to 9 grandchildren, died peacefully at home on August 19, 2021.

The son and grandson of Lutheran pastors, Paul was born in Louisville in 1931, the youngest of five. Although he lost his mother and father at the ages of 5 and 15, respectively, his childhood was happy, as he was enveloped in love by his grandmother, sister Elsa, three older siblings, and a large and extended family of “Louisville Schumachers.”  He maintained lifelong friendships with his fellow students at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne, as they replayed their 1948 winning basketball season during relaxing times in Florida.

In 1955, Paul married Aletha Reinhardt and was ordained as a Lutheran pastor.  Paul and Allie served as pastor and pastor’s wife for nine wonderful years in Paris and Dallas TX, where they became parents to Jenny and Julie.  The family spent 4 years in St. Louis, where Paul received a Ph.D. from St. Louis University and Jim was born.  In 1968, Paul started teaching Literature and Humanities at Ball State University in Muncie, and Andrea completed the family.  Although the family would soon move to Carmel, Paul loved engaging with all students and taught at Ball State for 31 years, including courses at the Pendleton Correctional Facility.

Paul served Pilgrim Lutheran Church as pastor for many years in both a full-time and interim capacity. A pastor to the end, in his later years, he served as interim pastor in Lutheran congregations throughout Indiana, including Ebenezer, Pleasant View, and Servants of Christ in Indianapolis; Our Saviour in Winchester; and Our Saviour in West Lafayette.

Paul became an avid runner with colleagues at Ball State, and regular runs and occasional hiking trips with his “running buddies” were a cornerstone of his healthy life. But Paul was happiest with his family. He loved to be with his children and grandchildren and support them in their activities, and he was renowned for his regular attendance at games and matches throughout the country to cheer for them. He was a master of “dad jokes” that will never be forgotten.

Paul was an easy man to love, and he had the unfailing ability to show courtesy, grace, and love to every person he met. Survivors include his wife, Allie Schumacher; daughters Jenny Schumacher of Montreal, Canada (partner Steeve Lemay), Julie Gran of Cleveland (partner Keli Zehnder), and Andrea Lairson of Portland, OR (husband Ed); son Jim Schumacher of Indianapolis (wife Amy); 9 grandchildren, Julie and Isabelle Lindsay, Soren and Elsa Gran, Joe, Jake and Emma Lairson, and Bella and Lola Schumacher; sister-in-law, Althea Schumann of Dayton; brother-in-law, Martin Marty and wife Harriet of Chicago; and many dearly-loved nieces and nephews. The family is grateful to Cathy, Annie, and the team of extraordinary nurses who provided at-home care.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Pilgrim Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana, with visitation starting at 1 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran World Relief or Wheeler Mission Ministries, Indianapolis.