Clarence Joseph Schumaker, Jr.

Clarence “Shuey” Joseph Schumaker, Jr., 90, of Clinton, Maryland, passed away peacefully on September 13, 2026.

Born on August 25, 1936, in Berks County, Pennsylvania, Shuey was the son of Clarence Joseph Schumaker and Frances Irene (Greenawalt) Schumaker of Stony Run. His early years were spent working on the Oswald family farm, harvesting fruit for the roadside stand—an experience that shaped his identity as a farmer’s son and, famously, his lifelong disdain for blueberries.

After graduating from Kutztown High School in 1954, Shuey completed one semester of college before—much to his father’s frustration—enlisting at the age of 17 in the United States Air Force. He completed basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, and continued his early training at installations in both New York and Alexandria, Louisiana, including England Air Force Base. What began as a youthful act of independence became a distinguished military career. Over the years, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology, two master’s degrees in health care policy and administration, and ultimately a doctorate in Social Medicine.

Early in his military service, Shuey met a young, enlisted WAIF from New England. He soon married her, beginning a devoted 65 year partnership with his beloved wife, M. Jane D. (Boucher). Together they raised three children: Cheryl Yvonne (Schumaker) Fisher (Steve), Clarence “Trey” Joseph Schumaker III (Karen), and Darryl Emile Schumaker (Dawn). He was the proud grandfather of Stephanie “Nikki” Nicole Price (Korey), Heather “Scooter” Linden Lamb (Clifford), Reed Joseph Schumaker, and Emilee’ “Maddie” Madeline Schumaker, and greatgrandfather to Nicolas “Nic” Matthew Lamb.

Shuey is preceded in death by his brother, Arlyn Schumaker and his sister, Sandra Pearl Schumaker. He is survived by his brother, Larry Charles Schumaker (Cyndi), his sister, Shirley Wisser (Carl), and his foster sister Jeanette Esser, and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

During his Air Force career, Shuey served at numerous stations, including Lackland AFB in San Antonio, Texas; Wright-Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio; Thule Air Base in Greenland; Pittsburgh Pennsylvania, and Clark Air Base in the Philippines. One of his most meaningful assignments occurred during Operation Homecoming, when American POWs were released from Vietnam and brought to Clark Air Base. As Deputy Hospital Commander, Shuey played an instrumental role in their care and reintegration—a service he regarded as one of the great honors of his career.

His final tour took him to the Pentagon, where he led the development of the Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance initiative. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1980. Education was one of Shuey’s deepest values, and after retiring from the military he embarked on a second career in academia. He taught for Central Michigan University and the University of Phoenix before joining Walden University, where he spent more than 30 years teaching in the Healthcare Administration program. He published numerous scholarly articles and mentored hundreds of students. Even in the final month of his life, he continued consulting with doctoral candidates. He loved being a teacher and mentor—and his students loved him.

For more than 50 years, Shuey was an active and devoted member of Hope Lutheran Church in Clinton, Maryland, serving in many capacities and offering his time, leadership, and faith to the community he cherished.

His commitment to education and community service inspired him to establish a scholarship for graduating seniors at his alma mater, Kutztown High School—a legacy that will continue to support young scholars for years to come.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church, Clinton, Maryland, on Friday, September 25th. Visitation will be from 1–3 p.m., followed by a full service with communion. A private military burial at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Schumaker Family Community Service Award KASD Education Foundation

—Awards & Scholarships — KASD Education Foundation

Hope Lutheran Outreach Fund- Hope Lutheran Church | God’s Loving Presence in a

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