Verlyn J. Schumacher, 89, of Munjor, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at Via Christi Village-Hays leaving behind a life of dedicated work, a proud serviceman, and a devoted father and grandfather.
He was born November 19, 1936, in Munjor, KS, the son of Celestine I. Schumacher and Helen M. (Jacobs) Schumacher. He graduated from Hays High School in 1954. After graduating, he enlisted and proudly served in the United States Air Force from 1956-1960. On September 17th, 1959, he married Margaret Shumaker in Tampa, Florida, they later divorced. He moved back to Hays in 1963 and went on to work at P&B Packers as a bookkeeping accountant until 1985. He then went to work for Monsanto as a bookkeeper until 1988. In June of 1988 Gene Gottschalk offered him a job working at High Plains Machine Works as a bookkeeper. He worked there for 35 years until retirement at the age of 83.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Hays, a Third Degree Knight of Columbus Council 11492, Munjor, American Legion and Voiture #1543 40&8 Boxcar in Hays.
Verlyn was known for his quick wit and one-liners, his noodle-making skills, and was an avid golfer and reader. He could frequently be found supporting the Hays Larks Baseball team while enjoying a cold one. He was proud of his family history and lineage and spent countless hours researching his family genealogy. In his younger days, he played town team basketball and softball. He instilled his love of sports in his children and supported them and cheered them on, often splitting his time between two fields on any given evening. He enjoyed travelling with his travel-buddy, Ericka, usually visiting Arizona.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Survivors include his daughters Margaret “Patty” Franklin and husband Steve, Bossier City, Louisiana, Sharon Legleiter and husband Donnie, Hays, a son Thomas Schumacher and wife Tracey of Southaven, Mississippi. Brother Leon Schumacher and Stephanie of Hays, Patricia (Toots) Engel of Garland, Texas, and Carol Freitag of Vincent, KS. Grandchildren, Curtis Franklin and wife Linda of Bossier City, Louisiana, Robbie Franklin and wife Jessica of Bossier City, Louisiana, Ericka Werth and Josh Turner of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Ashley Begler and husband Aaron of Hays, Katie Christen and Grant Thimmesch of Kansas City, Missouri, Shelby Schumacher and Logan Tarver of Greenville, Mississippi, Londyn Schumacher and Andrew Schumacher of Southaven, Mississippi. Great Grandchildren Michael and Dillon of Florida, Reece and Brooks of Bossier City, Louisiana, Ava and Adelyn Franklin of South Boston, Virginia, Bryce, Clay, and Emma Hammons of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Kaycie Kennedy, Kenzee, Naylee, and Tesla Begler of Hays, and Maggie Tarver of Greenville, Mississippi. And long-time best friend Gene Gottschalk and wife Kay of Hays.
He is Preceded in death by his parents Celestine and Helen Schumacher, brothers Celestine C. Schumacher and wife Verlene, Robert L. Schumacher and wife Bernadine, brothers in law Delbert Engel, and Gerald Freitag, granddaughter Erin Elizabeth Werth and grandson Steven Franklin.
Memorial Visitation will be Friday, May 22, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM with a combined Parish Vigil and Knights of Columbus Rosary service beginning at 7:00 PM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.
Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, May 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 215 West 13th Street Hays, Kansas 67601. Inurnment, inclusive of Military Honors, will follow the services in the St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery - Munjor, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to HaysMed Hospice or the 40&8 Boxcar.
Memories and words of comfort may be shared with Verlyn's family on his tribute page via: www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com
Services in care of: Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel, 2509 Vine Street Hays, Kansas 67601.
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