Lowell Eugene Schmucker's Obituary
Lowell Eugene Schmucker, of Indian Lake, Ohio, our dad, has gone to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Born in 1936 to parents Lloyd and Agnes Schmucker of Stryker, Ohio, Lowell was the oldest of 5 sons, who are Wayne (Peggy), Arlen, Earles (Marcia) and Jerry (Janie). He is deeply missed by Mom, his loving wife of 65 years, Carolyn, and us, their loving children… Jan, Jeanne (Phil), Jo (Seth) and Jon, their 7 grandchildren, Brit (Matt), Shannon (Eddie), Allie (Brad), Kristin (Mike), Matt (Kathryn), Lexi (Chris), Livi (Nick), two step-grandchildren, Stephanie (Jason) and Katie, 16 great-grandchildren, 5 step-great-grandchildren, extended family members and many dear friends.
Raised in a Farmer’s household, Dad learned the meaning of early-rising and a hard day’s work. He married mom in 1958 after she graduated from The University of Toledo Nursing School as an RN. The four of us kids, born within three years, came shortly after. Dad worked as a butcher until 1964, after which he began a 45-year career with Bob Evans Farms as an award-winning salesman in Jackson, Michigan and Angola, Indiana. In 1974, Dad was promoted into a divisional management position relocating our family to Bellbrook. Ohio. He was instrumental in initiating and maintaining a partnership with The Kroger Company. With a dedicated team of salesmen, Dad’s division was consistently ranked number one in the company. He was eventually promoted to Regional Manager covering southern Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. Dad’s motto, and everyone knew it, was “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”
Our fun-loving, quick-witted and adventurous Dad made sure the family vacation, usually camping with a pop-up camper and a station wagon, was a priority. One summer he purchased a used Winnebago. Since Dad could fearlessly operate any vehicle, it was no surprise we ended up atop Pike’s Peak, and many other precarious locations, in that boxy RV. Another adventure was a cross-country trip on an Amtrak train, destination: Montana. Grandkids and bears included. Dad and Mom’s travels took them everywhere, at home and abroad. Whether water-skiing at Lake Cumberland, hot-air ballooning in Arizona, wintering in Florida or snow-skiing Tahoe with Jon, Dad was “all in.” Exploring Amish country was a favorite, as it is a part of Dad’s Mennonite heritage.
Dad and Mom retired to Indian Lake where they built a beautiful home large enough to accommodate weekend visits from our ever-growing family. Dad was an avid landscaper. He loved to be on the water and could maneuver his pontoon like an “Old Salt.” He was an excellent golfer and was still on the course as an 86-year-old. A family partnership between Dad, Mom and Jon included several lake-front rental properties which they have operated for the last 15 years.
Most importantly, our dad accepted Christ as his Savior at a young age and spent his entire life in faithful service to Him. Likewise, we kids, being brought up in church, accepted Christ in our youth. Our compassionate dad exemplified the traits of a Godly man. Our parents daily lifted every family member, by name, in prayer. Dad and Mom’s example of serving the Lord is their greatest gift to us and we will carry that mantle faithfully, as you did, Dad. When we all get to heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be, when we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory! “Well done thou good and faithful servant.”
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
A private service will be held in Bellbrook, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to Turning Point Ministries (online davidjeremiah.org). 02). You are welcome to extend your condolences, plant a tree and share a photo or memory on his Book of Memories.
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