Gene Ellis Shumaker's Obituary
Gene Ellis Shumaker, 91, of Fairland, Oklahoma, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Gene was born on July 29, 1934, in a log cabin north of Verona, Missouri, to Ellis Warren and Tillie Jane (Edwards) Shumaker. From those humble beginnings, he lived a life marked by hard work, devotion, humor, and unwavering love for his family.
On June 12, 1954, Gene married the love of his life, Sue Ann May, in the Methodist Church parsonage in Monett, Missouri. Gene was 19, Sue was 15, and together they began a marriage that would last 69 years and 7 days. Their love story began at a skating rink and grew into a lifetime partnership that shaped everything they did. When Sue passed away in June of 2023, Gene’s heart never fully recovered. He spoke of her daily, kept her photos close, and often said he was the luckiest man alive to have married her. Today, we find comfort in knowing they are reunited in Heaven.
Gene joined the U.S. Army during the Korean War on September 23, 1954, and served honorably until his discharge on September 23, 1956. During his service, Gene and Sue welcomed their first child, Cynthia Sue, born at Camp Crowder Army Base. After his discharge, Gene was hired at B.F. Goodrich in Miami, Oklahoma February 22, 1957, beginning a career that would span nearly three decades until the plant closed on February 28, 1986.
Gene and Sue welcomed three more children during these years: Curtis Gene, Jack Morgan, and David Bruce. In May 1964, Gene earned an Associate of Arts Degree in Industrial Education from Northeastern A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma—an accomplishment he achieved while working and raising a growing family. Years later, Gene and Sue welcomed their youngest child, Cora Ann. Cora came into the family in 1980 at 2 years old as one of their first foster children and was later adopted by Sue and Gene.
In January of 1962 Gene and Sue purchased a 100 acre farm south of Fairland. This is where they worked and raised their children for the next 23 years. In 1985, Gene and Sue sold their 100 acre ranch—just months before BF Goodrich announced its closure. On the day BF Goodrich officially closed its doors, February 28, 1986, Sue and Gene opened Sue’s Resale Shop, which became a beloved local business and a testament to their resilience and teamwork.
Gene was known throughout the community as a man of generosity and compassion. He quietly helped countless people during their hardest moments, never seeking recognition. Many people have shared stories of how Gene had lifted them up when they were at their lowest.
Gene is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue, who passed away on June 19, 2023, at their home in Fairland at the age of 84. His father and mother, Ellis Warren and Tillie Jane (Edwards) Shumaker. His sisters, Lora Mae Larson and Ruby Faye Phipps and his daughter-in-law, Cheryl Shumaker.
Gene is survived by his five children, Cynthia Sue Thomure, Curtis Gene Shumaker, Jack Morgan Shumaker and his wife Debbie, David Bruce Shumaker and Cora Ann Foster. Gene is also survived by his ten grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren: Steven Eric Thomure and his wife Rebekah and their children Javen, Titus, Ezekiel and Raven. Christopher Gene Thomure and his wife Jennifer and their children, Hayden and Caleb. William Patrick Thomure and his wife Ashley and their daughter Lily May. Christy Shumaker Seaton and her husband Jake and their children, Piper, Violet, Silas and Finnegan. Matthew Curtis Shumaker and his wife Mary Lou and their children, Aubrey, Mason and Logan. Clayton Cole Shumaker and his wife Lindsay and their children, Alivia, Jackson and Harlow. Cane Colby Shumaker and his wife Whitney and their children, Beckham, Boston and Briggs. Lukas Aaron Shumaker, Andrew Jordan Shumaker and his wife Faith and their daughter Amelia. Dalton Ben Foster and his wife Brianna and their twins, Dutton and Dawson and daughter Wrenley.
Though we know death is part of life, nothing prepares us for the ache of losing someone so dear. We find strength in God’s promises and peace in knowing Gene is home, reunited with Sue, and resting in eternal joy. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and who will forever carry his stories, his humor, and his example of steadfast love.
Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Fairland First Assembly of God starting at 10:30 AM. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at Fairland First Assembly of God. Arrangements are under the direction of Brown-Winters Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
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