William Schumacher

William Russell Schumacher
Our beloved husband, father, Opa, brother in law, uncle, friend, and ultimate model of love, born January 2, 1932, left us on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, to be with our Lord.
Preceding him in death are his mother, Anna Borre, brothers Theodore Schumacher and Thomas Schumacher, and Julie Renee Schumacher, granddaughter.
Bill overcame hardship as a young boy to become a successful business man. First, with Custodis Construction Company, out of Chicago, Illinois, where he became known as Top Cat. He could maneuver the chimneys with strength and grace marveled by all.
One of his jobs took him to Houston, Texas where he met and married Patricia Lynn Lyon and quickly became a family man. He was a loving husband and father, always making their needs his ultimate goal.
After moving to Texas in 1974, Bill watched his home being built by Gloor Lumber Company and easily learned to lay brick. His craftsmanship can still be seen throughout Brownsville in the many homes, fences and Jacuzzi landscapes he created.
Never idle, he opened El Zapato Loco and became known as Zapato Loco, the Crazy Shoe, and helped bring recycling to Brownsville.
Bill took great pride in the home he provided for his family and his green thumb, bringing life to his yard with his bouganvillas and roses that he would hand pick and bring in to his wife to enjoy.
Our man of steel became Opa with the births of his grandchildren, Julie Renee, William Levi, Riley Schumacher, Bodhisattva James and Oden Russell. He loved each one of them dearly and took intense pride in them. Opa will be greatly missed by them and forever molded by his love.
He was loved and revered by his extended family as well. All the nieces and nephews looked for their Uncle Bill. He was witty and genuine. His sisters and brothers in law also loved their Yankee from Chicago. We were all entertained by his stories and mannerisms.
His home was always open to friends and family. Thanksgiving was always a special time when friends Philip Anderson and Joe Champion came to share the day.
Opa was a favorite of the girls from Gionastics and they celebrated his 80th birthday with him. Opa cheered his granddaughter from the hospital when she competed at Nationals recently, encouraging her to Represent Schumacher style.
Prior to Bills passing, he was comforted by lifelong friends, Sue and Richard Raasch from Wisconsin, Julie and A.J. Champion from Austin, and inlaws, Dewey Don Lyon from Austin, and Gary and Delores Barfield from Kingwood.
Cherishing Bills memory forever will be Patricia Schumacher, his wife of 50 years, children Curtis Schumacher Cheryl, Marie Schumacher, and Walter Schumacher Tina Lee. His grandchildren Billy, Riley, Bodhi and Odin numerous nieces and nephews, and his extended Lyon family.

We would like to thank the incredible Dr. Irina Minina, the loving staff at Solara Hospital and Valley Regional, Odyssey Hospice, Dewey Don Lyon, Stell Middle School, Veterans Memorial High School, Gionastics gymnasts, coaches and parents, Albert and Norma Molina, Yoli and Tiny Barrientes, Philip Anderson, Joe Champion, Oscar Tullos, Central Christian Church and all those who brought a smile to his face.

The celebration of Bills life will be held at his home in his beautiful backyard . A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday February 4, 2012 at Mr. and Mrs. Schumachers residence.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Lung Association or Odyssey Hospice in his name.

Memorial Contributions