Schuhmacher, Roy P.

Roy P. Schuhmacher, 86, died unexpectedly at his Mountain Home, Ark., residence on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2011.

Roy was born Jan. 20, 1925, in Amana, Iowa, to George and Lina Roemig Schuhmacher. He attended the Amana Schools and at the age of 18 enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Walke Destroyer 723 during World War II. Upon his return to Amana, he owned and operated the Phillips 66 Station. He also worked for 20 years in the automotive parts sector for Cadillac & GMC dealerships. He was a 32nd degree Mason and Shriner for 53 years. He was an active member of the Mountain Home Baptist Church, where he served as head usher. Roy enjoyed gardening and woodworking as a hobby.

Roy married Carol Blodgett in 1949. They later divorced. In 1967, he married Ruth Wacker. They made their retirement home in Mountain Home.

Survivors include two sons, George of McPherson, Kan., and the Rev. Martin (Jan) of Marion; stepdaughter Carol (Len) Sinkus of Little Rock; stepson, Jerry (Lois) Wessale of Grays Lake, Ill.; a brother, Henry (Rose) Schuhmacher; and a sister, Anne Freshour both of Amana; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Karen Mary in infancy; and his wife, Ruth.

Services were held Friday, Sept. 30, 2011, at Conner-Hankins Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Thomas Cunningham and the Rev. Bill Hughes officiating. Military honors were provided by the American Legion and the U.S. Navy. Masonic service was provided by the Masonic Lodge. Burial was at Kirby's Tucker Memorial Cemetery, near Mountain Home.

Memorials may be made to the Mountain Home Baptist Church Building Fund.

Online condolences may be made to .

Published in The Gazette Oct. 4, 2011.