William Schumm

William Richard “Bill” Schumm left his worldly body behind on January 26, 2023.

On December 20, 1952, the birth of an extraordinary man was announced by the late Frances (Mallaney) Schumm and Edward Irving Schumm, Jr. in Kankakee, Illinois. Bill grew up in Overland Park, KS with his four older brothers, Edward III “Ed”, Robert “Bob”, James “Jim”, and Thomas “Tom”. As a child, he was mischievous, always getting away with things that his older brothers couldn’t. The five boys spent summer vacation on Minor Lake in Allegan, Michigan for two weeks each year hiking, fishing, having bonfires, swimming, and shooting bows and arrows.

At Bishop Miege High School, Bill was an athlete…football, swimming, cheerleading, rugby and hockey were all in his wheelhouse. That athletic determination and fight shaped his personality. His graduating class voted him “Most Spirited”, which became a theme for the rest of his life.

He loved to water ski with his brothers at Lake Viking from sun up to sun down. Most of the travel that he loved also included visiting some body of water somewhere.

In 1977, he married Jill Ferree, and they created a lively loving family together in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He wrapped himself around his children’s sports and music, sacrificing time, money and energy to make sure they felt encouraged and supported.

With an entrepreneur spirit, Bill created a handful of businesses over the years. Many of his business ideas had a component of giving back to a cause that he found important.

Bill was a storyteller who always loved an audience. He loved planting things, both for beauty and for sustenance. He was known to ride a bicycle all over Nashville to see a good live show and pursue a good drink. He was an avid kayaker who loved oceans, lakes and rivers.

He was a fun grandpa of five, who brought ice cream treats and went to his grandkids’ ball games and performances. He was steadfast in his faith and welcomed the opportunity to include others in his belief and service.

His personality was larger than life. He was neighborhood-famous for winning a croquet tournament. After working as a ball boy for the Kansas City Chiefs when he was young, he watched games and rooted for them his whole life. He was also a giant Kansas Jayhawks basketball fan.

Later in life, Bill became quite an accomplished painter, winning Best in Show at the Tomato Art Festival. He loved to share his art with everyone. Most of his creation involved some type of gift to a person or donation to an organization.

Bill was a dog lover. Every dog he cared for he loved as a best friend. He always believed the rules didn’t apply to him, which left lots of room for adventure, and also the freedom to explore. He wanted to have a good time, but more than that, he wanted to make sure everyone around him was having a good time too. He was known as “Crazy Bill” on his phone’s voicemail. His family is grateful that “Crazy Bill” made life so much fun.

Bill is survived by his children, Kelly Bacher and husband Aron, Kurtis Schumm and wife Sarah, Kody Schumm and wife Adrienne; grandchildren Brey, Cole, Merrill, Lane and June; siblings Ed Schumm and former wife Lori, Bob and wife Sandra, Jim and wife Nancy, Tom and wife Patti; former wife Jill.

A celebration of life will be held in Nashville, Tennessee on Sunday, February 5. In lieu of flowers and gifts, keep Bill’s memory in your heart.