James A. “Salty” Schumaker, 84

James A. “Salty” Schumaker, 84, of Sedalia, died Friday, July 27th, 2012 at Bothwell Regional Health Center.  He was born July 9th, 1928 in Houstonia, MO, son of the late William and Lillie Hill Schumaker.

Salty was a lifetime resident of Sedalia, graduating from Smith-Cotton High School in 1947.   Salty married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie Pirtle, on October 2nd, 1948.  They became the parents of three children; He was passionate about baseball and played professionally, reaching the Triple A level. He was a member of Sedalia Lodge 236 AF & AM, Sedalia Shrine Club and the Ararat Shrine.

He is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 63 years, son Scott and wife Joan of Greeley, CO., and daughter Jamie Schumaker, of Sedalia. A sister, Dorene Zani and husband John of Daytona Beach, FL.  Grandchildren Sgt. Eric Emo and wife Emily, Ft Riley, KS., Megan Schumaker, of Aurora, CO., Ryan Schumaker, of Denver, CO., Michael Bosma and wife Jen of Boulder, CO., and Jennifer Keating and husband Sean of Westminster, CO.  Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Erin Emo, Carson Bosma, and Avery Keating.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews

He was preceded in death by son James A. “Jimmy” Schumaker, Grandson James Scott Emo, Sister Ena Mae Walker and Brother, Billy Schumaker.

Visitation will be Monday, July 30th, at Heckart Funeral Home from 6:30 pm-8:00 pm.  Graveside services will be Tuesday, July 31st, at 10:00 am at Memorial Park Cemetery, with the Rev. Marlin Brown officiating.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital of St. Louis or Sedalia First Baptist Church.  Either may be offered in care of Heckart Funeral Home.