Thomas John Schumann

Thomas John Schumann, a generous man who loved a one-liner, died November 20 from complications following surgery while surrounded by his loving family. Tom was born June 25, 1949, in Ravenna, Ohio, to Mary Elizabeth (Murray) and William Eugene Schumann. Tom spent his formative years in Kent, Ohio, playing with his siblings Judy, Bill, and Susie and helping in his grandfather’s fly-fishing shop. He moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana, to work as an electronics technician in a Magnavox factory, later graduating from Purdue University, Fort Wayne, with a BS degree in Electrical Engineering. While in Fort Wayne, he met the love of his life, long-haired Linda Jeanne West. They married September 28, 1974, and welcomed Amanda Jeanne Schumann to the family in 1979. When Philips (formerly Magnavox) relocated in 1980, they moved to Jefferson City, Tennessee, and welcomed Kathryn Mary Schumann a year later. Tom enjoyed lake life and his many roles at First United Methodist Church. He got involved with swimming while his daughters swam for Jefferson City Swim Club and found that officiating was one of his passions. When Tom retired from Philips Electronics, he generously gave his time to numerous organizations, including Appalachian Ministry of the Smokies (formerly Appalachian Outreach) and found another of his passions—helping people wherever he could. He continued working as an official and mentor in various swimming organizations and became affectionately known as The Godfather of Swimming in many circles. In 2017, Tom added Joshua Porter and David Foster as sons-in-law in the year of the weddings and was proud of his growing family. Tom was a lover of Mel Brooks movies, Monty Python, James Bond, classic rock, chicken wings, computers, silly hats, unbuttoned lake shirts, and driving his boat. Most of all though he loved his family and they loved him back fiercely. He was kind, witty, the best fixer of things, always quick with a smile, and had sparkly brown eyes that lit up any room. In the past few years, Tom had become known as the best Grandpa on the planet. He doted on his grandchildren Evelyn Jeanne Foster, Margot Elizabeth Foster, and Declan Woodrow Porter and loved making them laugh. Tom was preceded in death by his mother Mary and father Bill. He is survived by his wife Linda; daughters Amanda and Kathryn; grandchildren Evelyn (6), Declan (5), and Margot (4); his siblings Judy, Bill, and Susie; and a multitude of nieces and nephews who loved him tremendously. A service celebrating Tom’s life will be held Saturday, December 7, 2024, at 1 pm in the First United Methodist Church of Jefferson City, Tennessee, with the Rev. Kristie Banes officiating. Visitation will precede the service beginning at 11:30 am. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies, 511 Municipal Dr., Jefferson City, TN 37760 (https://www.cn.edu/giving/amos/) or to Jefferson City’s First United Methodist Church, 2011 Branner Avenue, Jefferson City, TN 37760 (https://www.firstumcjc.com/give).