ElRay Schumann

ElRay Merrill Schumann

Our loving Husband, Dad, Grandpa, Son, Uncle, Brother, Fishing Buddy, and Best Friend, ElRay Merrill Schumann returned to his Heavenly Father and into the arms of his loving parents on Wednesday, October 26, 2016.  ElRay, age 60, passed away peacefully at his home in Layton, Utah after a valiant and courageous battle fighting three incidents of Tongue Cancer.

ElRay was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to parents Henry Merrill and June LaPriel Schumann on April 20, 1956.  He and his 9 other siblings grew up and farmed together in Bothwell, Blue Creek,  and Lewiston, Utah.  ElRay graduated from Sky View High School where he was an active member of Future Farmers of America.  He attended Utah State University and then later the University of Utah.  ElRay worked for Davis County School District as a Head Custodian; 20 years at Clearfield High, 3 Years at Viewmont High, and 10 years at Whitesides Elementary.  He was loved by the students, faculty, administrators, and his employees.  He was known for his care of the school building and more importantly those around him.  ElRay served as President of the Classified Employees Association for several years in Davis School District.

ElRay was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  He served a two year LDS mission to Guatemala, Guatemala City.  While serving there, a catastrophic 8.0 earthquake struck  and he was able to serve the people in their greatest need.  He loved the Guatemalan people throughout his life and could be found speaking Spanish at any opportunity.  ElRay served in many capacities in the church, including Primary Teacher, Scout Leader, Elders Quorum President, Stake Missionary with his wife Christy, and a beloved Home Teacher.  ElRay was ordained as a Temple worker in the Bountiful LDS Temple, but unfortunately was not able to fulfill that calling due to health problems.

In 1979, while attending Utah State University, he met his “Chulita” and love of his life Christy  Whitear of Bountiful, Utah.  They were married and sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple on May 11, 1979.  They were blessed with two children, Stacey June and John ElRay of whom he loved and was very proud of.   ElRay and Christy treasured the time they spent travelling together to Hawaii, Nauvoo, Mexico and Guatemala.  As a devoted father, grandfather, and husband he built many memories of teaching the gospel, fishing, party nights, instilling a strong work ethic by his example, and celebrating with his family on any occasion.

ElRay loved spending his summers near Jackson Hole, Wyoming at the family cabin.  ElRay could always be seen fishing the Granite Creek, and Hoback River with family and friends.  He loved being in the outdoors and always wanted to share this passion with friends and family.  ElRay masterfuklly wrote poems about his family and friends, using his unique wit and humor.  He is loved by many! He brought joy and laughter through his genuine care, unforgettable belly laugh, goofy songs, contagious smile, positive attitude, and willingness to serve at any time.  Through many difficult health challenges including bipolar disorder, kidney failure, dialysis, kidney transplant, and three debilitating fights against cancer, he never lost hope. Christy loved and care for ELRay through each health challenge, giving her all and not giving up.  In the end ElRay lost his ability to speak, laugh, and taste but never lost his will to live, faith in the Lord, and hope to be back to his favorite fishing hole. This Gentle Giant was a true hero as he lived and died with a smile on his face, exemplifying his favorite scripture to “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

ElRay is survived by his wife, Christy Whitear Schumann and children: Stacey June Gridley (Eric) and John ElRay Schumann (Ashley), his 9 grandchildren:  Kaylee, Aaron, Nathan, Travis, Megan, Porter, Ryker, Jacey, and Taggart ; his  9 siblings Danna May Montgomery (Gene), Kayleen Hunsaker (Dennis), Edamarie Walker (Perry), Denice Weatherspoon (David), Darl Schumann (Sherri), Joseph Schumann, Karla Torres (Ariel), and Karolee Place; his Father In-Law, Glenn L. Whitear, Mother-in-law, Betty Aaron Whitear, and their children:  Karen Johnson (Dan Burnside), Sandi Olson (R. Lynn), and Doug Whitear and many nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Henry Merrill and June LaPriel Schumann and his brother-in-law, Scott Aaron Whitear (Kristen Brown Bright).

Much heartfelt thanks to ElRay’s physicians, nurses, and aids who have tirelessly cared for him throughout his life:

D. Carl Christensen, F.N.P – Davis Family Physicians

Dr. Adish K. Agarwal – Northern Utah Nephology

University of Utah  Kidney and Liver Clinic

Jacke Corbitt, N.N.P

Jonathan Moss – Kidney Coordinator

Huntsman Cancer Institute – Head and Neck Cancer

Dr. Luke Buchamann, Oncologist

Dr. Jason Hunt, Oncologist

McKay-Dee Behavioral Health Institute

Dr. Dustin Adams

Dr. Thomas Olsen

Sun Dance Behavioral Resources

Dr. Peter M. Lossler (Retired)

South Davis Community Hospital

LTAC and Skilled Nursing

Symbii Home Health and Hospice

Emily Loflin, RN

Abby – Aid

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 31, 2016 at 11 a.m. at the Layton South Stake Center, 505 South 1000 West Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit family Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road and Monday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.