Evan Schuman

So much could be said about a person like Evan Schuman who had an immense pleasure of always looking on the bright side of life. He lived his life with great joy found in the simple moments; from spending time in the family’s garden to wheeling around the neighborhood, Evan’s life modeled what most take for granted. A faithful person who sincerely loved people, Evan leaves behind a rich collection of special memories that will be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

The year 1996 brought about many technological changes. The world of home movie viewing grew with the start of DVDs, the number of internet users expanded to more than ten million, and the Nintendo 64 gaming console was released in June. In addition, Ask Jeeves and Ebay were launched expanding the informational age and changing the way the world sold products. Evan was born on July 6th, just one day after Dolly, the sheep, became the first mammal to be successfully cloned. Welcomed home by his loving parents, Brian Lee and Melissa Marie (Adair) Schuman in Fort Wayne, Indiana, his birth brought them great joy!

Born with spina bifida and all the complications that came with it, never seemed to slow Evan down as he had quite an adventurous spirit! An eager learner, Evan absolutely loved attending school! Although his parents were reluctant to send him on that very first day, he was more than ready and proved that he would soar in his new everyday challenges! He enjoyed each and every adult he connected with throughout his school day; from the bus drivers to his special nurse that was right by his side. He charmed them with his infectious sense of humor and delighted in getting anyone he crossed paths with to laugh. Nothing brought him greater joy than to make others happy. His first best friend, however, was the family dog, Mindy, a gentle Beagle and a great companion. Evan enjoyed many afternoons walking her on a leash with his special little walker. Over the years, he developed quite a collection of dog leashes! Leading her around was his favorite and she let him do it to his heart’s content. One special childhood memory was when he was about eight years old and he and his parents held a special burial ceremony for his tracheotomy tubes in his backyard! He loved every kind of celebration including birthday parties, but this one was significant when he could finally manage his life without it!

It was Evan’s memory and maturity that would set him apart at a young age. He relished in adult conversation and had a real knack for listening to people’s stories, which he found very interesting. He was a real people person and seemed to always remember what others had shared. He even was very adept at remembering his own stories, which were often about his many surgeries or appointments and all that was discussed with the numerous doctors and specialists. These same strong memory skills, his self-motivation, and his optimistic attitude helped him to successfully graduate with the Class of 2016 from East Noble High School; a day he most certainly looked back on with great pride!

Evan had a remarkable tenacity for facing his everyday challenges. Every once in awhile, he’d manage to get himself stuck out in the yard or the road in his power wheelchair. He never complained or became frustrated, he’d simply yell out for help. He didn’t seem to have any worries as he knew that someone would eventually come to his rescue! One of his favorite pastimes would be to go cruisin’ in the neighborhood or around the small, quaint town of Brimfield. After giving his younger sister, Aubree a ride or two around the neighborhood, he’d manage to ride over to his grandma and grandpa Adairs’ home across town for dinner!

Evan had many special interests throughout his short life. Being a natural socialite, he enjoyed attending church at Brimfield United Methodist and found a wide variety of church events and activities to satisfy him. He was an avid reader and had quite a collection of books. It was no surprise that after his dog Mindy was gone, he loved to volunteer at the Noble County Humane Society and read books as well as volunteer at the Paws & Claws Bookstore. When he needed some time for himself or some relief from the world, Evan tended to dwell in his garden. Although he was not able to reach down and dig into the rich soil, he instead spent time watering or sorting out his favorite vegetables for Aubree to sell in her roadside stand. He loved the peaceful feeling of being in his garden and the joy in sharing his harvest with others.

In addition to his garden, he loved his four-wheeler and taking family trips. He enjoyed several trips to the eastern Tennessee mountain town of Pigeon Forge, as well as Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, and Michigan’s beautiful Mackinac Island in the Upper Peninsula. Described as unconditionally loving, patient beyond measure, and innately strong-willed, there is no doubt that Evan will be deeply missed by his special family and many close friends.

Evan Brian Schuman, age 20, passed away at his home on Sunday, March 12, 2017 surrounded by his family. Evan fought his disability with spina bifida in a very positive way and he lived his life to the fullest. Survivors include: His parents, Brian and Missy Schuman of Brimfield. Sister, Aubree Schuman of Brimfield. Maternal grandparents, Larry and Nancy Adair of Brimfield. Paternal grandparents, Charles and Ann Schuman of Corunna. Visitation will be held Wednesday, March 15, 2017 from 3:00 – 8:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 11:00 AM at the Brimfield United Methodist Church with Pastor Christopher White officiating. Burial will take place at Orange Cemetery near Brimfield. Memorial donations may be made to the Noble County Humane Society. Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.