John Shuman, 98

John Bower Shuman, age 98, of Three Rivers, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at the Rose Arbor Hospice Residences in Kalamazoo, MI. He was born in Jersey Shore, PA., on Feb. 26, 1912 one of three children born to George and Emma Shuman. John was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.

After graduation from Jersey Shore High School in 1930, he worked as a store manager for the J.J. Newberry Co. opening and operating variety stores throughout the Eastern and Midwestern states. On his birthday in 1939, he was united in marriage to Helen Phoebe King, who preceded him in death in 1972 following 33 years of marriage. His managerial assignments brought him to Three Rivers where he has lived for over 68 years.

John was the co-owner of “The Economy” a local dry goods store and was later employed by the Rocky River Paper Company as a purchasing agent. He then served as Secretary-Treasurer at Fibre Converters from which he retired.

John was dedicated to family and his community through his life memberships in a number of organizations, especially the Three Rivers Rotary Club, where he was a charter member, served as secretary for 31 years, was a Paul Harris Fellowship recipient, and joyfully attended the annual children’s Christmas parties, for 70 years. He was also a member of the Three Rivers Shrine Club, the Saladin Temple in Grand Rapids, and the First United Methodist Church, of Three Rivers.

Mr. Shuman was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, one son, James C. Shuman, sister, Dorothy Kennedy, one brother, George Shuman Jr.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving family, daughter, Jo Ellen (Norman) Rewers, of Kalamazoo; grandchildren, Kristine (Morris) Bramlett, of Athens, AL., Mark (Katrina) Rewers, of Oakdale, CT., Laura (Tom) Syswerda, of Hudsonville, MI., Barbara (Keith) Morgan, of Cassopolis, MI., and Douglas Shuman, of Michigan. Six great-grandchildren, Karlee, Ashley and Megan Rewers, Connor Syswerda, and Kevin and Aree Morgan.

A memorial celebration of John’s life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2010 with a visitation time from 11:30 a.m. until time of service at the Hohner Funeral home, with Rev. Dr. Maria Rutland officiating.

Interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery, following services.

Memorials may be donated to the Shriners Hospitals for Children or the charity of one’s choice. Envelopes available at the funeral home.