Robert Douglas Shumaker “Shu”

November 6, 1950 - February 13, 2022

Robert Douglas Shumaker “Shu”, 71, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away after a very brief illness on February 13, 2022, in Fort Myers, FL, in the loving arms of his wife.  He lived in East Aurora, New York and was a seasonal resident in Florida. Robert was born on November 6, 1950, in Malaysia to Charles and Aline Shumaker, now deceased.

Bob graduated from Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree. He joined the  Air Force where he had a distinguished and highly successful career in the US Air Force. Upon graduation from pilot training, he finished high enough to merit a fighter plane. He selected the RF-4, which was a reconnaissance version of the F-4 Phantom. He served in Europe before returning to the States to pursue a position with American Airlines. He continued his association with the Air Force by staying active in the Air National Guard. Most of his guard service was with the fighter squadron from Niagara Falls, New York. Bob flew the F-101, the F-4 C/D, and the F-16. He was an excellent pilot and was selected to compete in many William Tell flying competitions. He also served as an instructor pilot and flight examiner. He rose to the rank of lieutenant colonel and his final position was the squadron commander for maintenance, which was comprised of over 400 officers and airmen. He also continued his civilian flying for American Airlines and retired as a captain with thousands of safe flying hours.

Bob had a happy and fulfilling marriage with Bonita (“Bo”). He was a loving, caring, loyal and affectionate husband. He loved being with her and tenderly showed it.

He fully enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandkids. He loved going to their various activities, especially baseball games and dance recitals. He was so proud of their goodness and accomplishments.

Bob had many very dear and close friends, many of whom were in the Air Force with him. He greatly valued his friendships and always looked forward to and appreciated the times he shared with them. He took great pleasure in entertaining friends at his home and dining out with them.

Bob was passionate about traveling.  He visited numerous countries during his life.  He and “Bo” vacationed extensively both domestically and in Europe, many times with family and friends.

He had a number of interests and hobbies. He played the piano and guitar every day. He was an avid Buffalo Bills and Ohio State football fan. He had a collection of classic cars and especially took pleasure in driving his Silverstone Jaguar and Corvette.

Bob was a humble, gentle, kind, and caring man who loved life and enjoyed it to the fullest.

He is survived by his loving wife, Bonita “Bo” Shumaker of East Aurora, New York; children, Dylan Shumaker (Jeanine) of Rockford, Illinois, Nathan Shumaker (Julia) of Lewiston, New York and Emily Shumaker of Snyder, New York; stepsons, Troy Fogelsonger (Melissa) of Jefferson, Colorado, and Dale Fogelsonger (girlfriend Nicole) of West Falls, New York; sister, Penny Pietre (Steve) of Wickenburg, Arizona; six grandchildren, and a large and loving extended family.

Robert was preceded in death by his former wife, Valerie; and siblings, Mike, and Joyce.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 AM April 20, 2022, at Holy Mother of the Rosary Cathedral, 6298 Broadway, Lancaster, NY 14086.

There will be a service at the new National Cemetery for Veterans in Pembroke, New York. He will be interred there.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Robert Douglas Shumaker are suggested to ASPCA, P.O. Box 96929, Washington, DC 20090-6929

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Robert N Beaudreau Feb 28, 2022 at 12:22 am

    Our Commander

  2. Retired Air Technicians 107yh Feb 28, 2022 at 4:09 pm

    RIP Col.

  3. Paul Spray Mar 4, 2022 at 3:35 pm

    Thanks Bob for being one hell of a brother in law, and a wonderful husband to my sister Valerie. I’ve got many good memories of some of the craziness we did here at the farm in Ohio and the fishing in Minnesota. Rest in peace my friend.
    Paul

  4. Myles Mitchell Aug 27, 2023 at 9:19 am

    I knew Bob in the Air Force, National Guard in New York, and American Airlines. My family lived close to them in Snyder, NY. And in fact they bought our house there in about 1981. He and Valerie were friends and we gradually lost contact through the years. He was always Shu, but in the Guard was called , Sherlock, because he smoked a pipe.
    We have good memories Shu.
    Myles and Lee Ann Mitchell ,

Leave a Reply to Robert N Beaudreau