Thomas “Tom” Lill Schumacher was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, to George Lill and Joan Wentz Schumacher. He was raised in Deerfield, Illinois, and in 1969 lived for a brief period in San Francisco, California.
In 1970, Tom and his lifelong friend Phil Gilbert left the Midwest to seek new adventures in the American West. Along the way, Tom met his future wife, Rosa Linda Flores, in Greeley, Colorado.
Eventually settling in Tenino, Washington, Tom and Rosa began their lives together. Tom began a career in the logging industry as a timber cutter and heavy equipment operator. Sadly, Rosa passed away in 1977. Tom never remarried.
In March 1985, Tom was seriously injured in a near fatal logging accident. When sufficiently recovered from his injuries, and with the help of his friends and family, Tom moved to Wilmington, North Carolina, later that year.
In January 1986, Tom enrolled as a student at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington (UNCW). For the next six years, Tom pursued degrees in both English and history. Graduating in 1992, Tom continued his studies in Criminal Justice.
Following his time at UNCW, Tom pursued his passion for photography. For the next several years, he concentrated on developing his skills both as a photographer and a printer of fine art black and white photographs. Due to health concerns, Tom had to abandon his love of the craft in the early 2000s.
Tom was an avid reader and a lifelong student of history and politics. To the end, he never lost his passion for these endeavors.
Tom is survived by two sisters, Sue Schumacher (Ted) and Georgia Curry (Bill); two nephews, Josh Curry (Karla), and their children, Logan and Nora; and Christopher Curry (Elie); as well as a niece, Callie Curry, and her two daughters, Kailia and Loomey.
Tom also leaves behind his dear friends Kim Brae; Sue Bowman; CJ Bell; Richard Stamey and Mike and Shaun Brown; Philip and Judy Gilbert; Clancy and Tracy Kelly; Robert and Nancy Kitzerow; Charles and Amy Short; and Beau and Sue McCaffray.
Tom also wishes to express his gratitude to Mike Nemmers, Kim Stamey and nurse Amy Mathis, his caregivers with Home Instead.
There will be a celebration of life graveside service at 10:30 a.m. July 10 at Forest Grove Cemetery in Tenino. A luncheon will follow at the Sandstone Cafe.
