John H. Schoolman

July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.

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John H. Schoolman, 100, of Leesburg, died at 5:50 p.m. May 21, 2009, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw.

He was born Jan. 22, 1909, in Miami County, to Herman Jacob and Francis Eleanor Demuth Schoolman. On June 14, 1936, in Peru, he married Ada L. Fuller, who died March 14, 1978.

He graduated from Peru High School and later started Schoolman's Grocery, Bippus, in 1930. He also delivered ice throughout the community, butchered cattle and hogs and smoked his meats for the store. He was a member of New Hope United Church of Christ, Bippus, and many clubs, including Odd Fellows and Masons. He was affiliated with the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center and American Legion Post 253, both in North Webster. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, drafted as one of the oldest draftees. He served in the military police, guarding German war prisoners.

His avocation has brought him considerable recognition, he is a local folk artist with his own unique way in making canes and walking sticks along with other natural pieces of art.

He has been recognized in local papers, and articles have been written on his art in magazines and covered on television. Also the works have been presented in local museums and libraries. His art was featured through this Christmas holiday by the Central Library in Fort Wayne. He has been recognized by the art department at Indiana University, which has purchased some of his work.

He made a presidential cane and sent it to President George W. Bush in Oct. 2007. He has made thousands of canes from sticks he picked up on his 5-mile-a-day walks.

Some of his works currently are displayed at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center.

Surviving are six grandchildren: Gary (and spouse Mallory) Miniear, Winona Lake; Pete (and spouse Shelley) Miniear, Florida; Conrad (and spouse Carolyn) Miniear, Montana; Debbie Freeman, Oklahoma; Saundra McCauley, Connecticut; and Marta (and spouse Jake) Wonder, Bloomington; 23 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a step-son, Robert Howard; a daughter, Dorothy Mills; a brother; and a sister.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, with Pastor Larry Holderbaum officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military honors by members of American Legion Post 253, North Webster.

Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

*****

Memorials to The Senior Primelife Enrichment Center, North Webster.

Condolences may be sent to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com[[In-content Ad]]

John H. Schoolman, 100, of Leesburg, died at 5:50 p.m. May 21, 2009, in Kosciusko Community Hospital, Warsaw.

He was born Jan. 22, 1909, in Miami County, to Herman Jacob and Francis Eleanor Demuth Schoolman. On June 14, 1936, in Peru, he married Ada L. Fuller, who died March 14, 1978.

He graduated from Peru High School and later started Schoolman's Grocery, Bippus, in 1930. He also delivered ice throughout the community, butchered cattle and hogs and smoked his meats for the store. He was a member of New Hope United Church of Christ, Bippus, and many clubs, including Odd Fellows and Masons. He was affiliated with the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center and American Legion Post 253, both in North Webster. He was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, drafted as one of the oldest draftees. He served in the military police, guarding German war prisoners.

His avocation has brought him considerable recognition, he is a local folk artist with his own unique way in making canes and walking sticks along with other natural pieces of art.

He has been recognized in local papers, and articles have been written on his art in magazines and covered on television. Also the works have been presented in local museums and libraries. His art was featured through this Christmas holiday by the Central Library in Fort Wayne. He has been recognized by the art department at Indiana University, which has purchased some of his work.

He made a presidential cane and sent it to President George W. Bush in Oct. 2007. He has made thousands of canes from sticks he picked up on his 5-mile-a-day walks.

Some of his works currently are displayed at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center.

Surviving are six grandchildren: Gary (and spouse Mallory) Miniear, Winona Lake; Pete (and spouse Shelley) Miniear, Florida; Conrad (and spouse Carolyn) Miniear, Montana; Debbie Freeman, Oklahoma; Saundra McCauley, Connecticut; and Marta (and spouse Jake) Wonder, Bloomington; 23 great-grandchildren; and numerous great-great-grandchildren. He was also preceded in death by a step-son, Robert Howard; a daughter, Dorothy Mills; a brother; and a sister.

Services will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel, 2290 Provident Court, Warsaw, with Pastor Larry Holderbaum officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Warsaw, with military honors by members of American Legion Post 253, North Webster.

Calling is from 4 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home.

*****

Memorials to The Senior Primelife Enrichment Center, North Webster.

Condolences may be sent to mchattonsadlerfuneralchapels.com[[In-content Ad]]
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