Herbert James Schumaker

Herb was born in Dearborn, MI on October 21, 1928 and passed away peacefully in Brentwood, TN on December 24, 2021, while surrounded by loved ones. His 93 years of life were filled with joy and happiness.

Herb was born to Lawrence and Lena Schumaker and is preceded in death by his siblings Larry Schumaker and Lolly Willoughby and is survived by Anne Brehm.

He was married 56 years to the love of his life, Peggy, who passed

away in January 2007. Herb and Peggy raised four children, Jim,

Faye Harlin (Clay), Larry (Sandra) and Nanette. Herb and Peggy taught them many strong values in life and the importance of loving and trusting the Lord. Their faithful influence still has a positive effect to this very day.

After Peggy’s death, Herb joined their church’s grief counseling class. It was here that the Lord brought him and Moneta Merry together and they soon fell in love. Moneta had recently lost her husband and like Herb, longed for a loving relationship. The Schumakers and Merrys have been members at Crieve Hall Church of Christ for over 55 years.

Moneta and Herb were inseparable and could be seen holding hands everywhere they went. In the early years of their marriage, they were able to travel together, while spending time with friends. Their love of the Lord was the common thread that gave them so many happy years together.

In his early life, Herb honorably served time in the Marines, where he earned the honor of Expert Marksman. He and Peggy moved to TN where they built their dream house on a beautiful hill. Their home was a place of love and comfort to everyone who visited there.

Herb helped to open the Ford glass plant in 1958 and worked there for 38 years in the engineering department until his retirement. There was not a person at the Ford plant that didn’t know and love him.

Herb loved flying and bought his first plane at the age of 44. He spent most of his free time flying, which brought him incredible joy! He also loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a gifted artist and loved to oil paint, which he did every day until the end of his life. He used his gift of art to show his love for family and friends, as he gave away his beautiful paintings.

Moneta’s family loved Herb and were honored to have him in their lives. He is survived by her children; Bill Merry Jr (Julia), Keith Merry (Sandy) and Kevin Merry (Charlotte).

He is also survived by 16 grandchildren; KJ Schumacher (Erin), David Schumacher (Meghan), Michael Schumacher, Anna Beth Harlin, Talbot Harlin (Ashley), Meredith Lomasney (Joel), Clay Schumacher (Allison), Amy Cudmore (Chris), John Schumacher (Emma) and Eric Schumacher, Kensley Merry Copeland (Tyler), Connor Merry (Katelyn), Ashley Chapman (Greg) and Taylor Merry (Carlye), Abby and Paige.

He is also survived by 17 great grandchildren: Amelia, Wylie, Jack, Fin, Sloane, Jacob, Jack, Sam, Ben, Louis, Caroline, Charlotte, Mary, Lucy, Ruby, Levi and Luke.

He was an amazing man who lived a faithful life and will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Friday, December 31 at 12:00 pm, with interment to follow at Woodlawn Funeral Home. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 30 from 4-7 pm and Friday from 10-11:30. All services will be held at Crieve Hall Church of Christ, 4806 Trousdale Dr, Nashville, TN 37220.