Willis Shumaker

Willis L. Shumaker, 95, of Independence, MO peacefully passed away Tuesday, June 07, 2011 surrounded by his family at his home where he has lived since 1945. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 11, 2011 at First Baptist Church of Independence, 500 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO 64050. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10-11:00 a.m. Cremation. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the church. Willis was born December 20, 1915 to George and Susan (Stradley) Shumaker in Walker, MO, near Eldorado Springs, where he learned carpentry skills building houses, schools and a hospital. He attended the University of Missouri graduating with a degree in Civil Engineering in 1942 followed by some courses on the war effort from Washington University. For three years during the war he was a stress analyst for Curtis Wright/McDonald Aircraft in St. Louis. He then moved to Independence and worked for Amoco Oil Company for 32 years. After retiring he then worked for Amoco International on projects in Calgary and Trinidad. Willis did consulting work until age 80 primarily with Midland Resource and Kemiron, Inc, during the expansion of their grassroots water treatment plants into three different states. Mr. Shumaker made many house plans and built several homes around Independence and for his family. Willis became a registered engineer in 1948 and has been a life member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has also been a lifetime supporter as an alumnus of the School of Engineering of the University of Missouri. Mr. Shumaker has been a member of the First Baptist Church of Independence for over 60 years for whom he spent three years in the 1980’s chairing a committee that oversaw a 3 ½ million dollar expansion. Willis is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Josephine (Spence) Shumaker; children Marilyn Lowrey, Karen Wheeler, Wayne Shumaker; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his son Paul Shumaker. A family who loved him and in whom he has taken great pride.