William Schumacher

April 15, 1938 – September 8, 2021

Brigadier General (BG) William Jacob Schumacher, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on September 8, 2021 after a short illness.

He was born to Jacob Schumacher and Kathryn Williams Schumacher on April 15, 1938 in Scranton, PA. He attended Central High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Lafayette College in 1960. In 1970, he earned a Masters of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. He graduated from the US Army War College in 1984.

BG Schumacher married his high school sweetheart, Sandra Caryl Schumacher, in 1960 and entered the US Army in 1961 in the Ordnance Corps. During his 30-year military career he and his family were stationed throughout the United States as well as Germany and South Korea. He served his country in multiple positions including Commanding Officer of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, Project Manager of HELLFIRE/Ground Laser Designators Project Office and Program Executive Officer for the Fire Support Program Executive Office.

BG Schumacher was known for his sense of humor and love of puns. He felt blessed that he was able to serve his country and travel with his family. He held himself and others to high standards, had a strong faith in God and was an honest and generous man.

He is survived by his two daughters, Caryl Waite (Bill) and Leslie Schumacher (Charles Gardner), three granddaughters, Katie Ishler, Emily Ishler and Caroline Gardner, as well as a great-granddaughter Charlotte Entz. A sister, Janet Graves (Tony) of Scranton also survives him.

BG Schumacher is predeceased by his wife, Sandra Schumacher, his parents, Jacob and Kathryn Schumacher and his brother David Schumacher.

A memorial service and burial at Arlington National Cemetery are planned for the future. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Miriam’s Kitchen, 2401 Virginia Avenue NW, Washington DC 20037.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.DemaineFuneralHomes.com for the SCHUMACHER family.