Payton “P.J.” Shumaker III, age 74, passed away on October 29, 2022, at the Eastern Montana Veteran’s Home in Glendive, Montana.
Payton was born in Miles City on July 20, 1948, to Payton Shumaker Jr. and Lorraine Rassmussen Shumaker. He was one of five kids growing up on the family ranch in Ismay.
After graduating high school, Payton was enlisted in the Army and sent to Vietnam where he served as part of the “Wolf Pound Group”. Payton returned home after Vietnam and set his roots in the Billings area. From there on out Payton dove into Long Haul Truck Driving, going from Texas to Alaska, even putting in time as an ice road trucker. He retired doing what he loved.
Payton is survived by his son P.J. Shumaker IV; granddaughter Chandra; sister DeAn Small; brother Mark Shumaker (who followed him in death 4 days later) and numerous extended family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Terri; daughter Tiffany Shumaker; brothers Joseph Shumaker, Shawn Shumaker; and sister Sandra Ross.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Terry. Interment will follow at the family lot in Prairie County Cemetery where he will be laid to rest with his brother Mark Shumaker. To leave condolences for the family, please visit: www.stevensonandsons.com
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Saturday December 10, 2022
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
Terry, Montana 59349
Interment with Full Military Honors
Immediately following the Funeral Service
Saturday December 10, 2022
Prairie County Cemetery
Terry , Montana 59349
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Jim and Annalise Willson says
We are so sorry to hear about P J. He was one of the best friends I had. I worked for Jake the summer of 1964 with P J. and Mark. We had a lot of fun going to rodeos. P. J. and Jack Hinnaland and I won several wild horse races at Brockway, Terry and the Miles city Bucking horse sale. P. J. was one of our Groomsmen at our wedding in 1968. P. J. was one of the best.
A Friend forever
Jim and Annalise Willson
Roger Rock says
Our family ranch abutted Shumaker’s, but I, too, worked for Jake back in the mid-sixties with P. J. and Mark, went to a lot of rodeos. P. J. rode saddle broncs, I rode barebacks and bull (one was enough). He was best man at our wedding in 1967. The military pulled us in different directions (the Army-him, the Navy-me), later our work (trucking-him, teaching-me). But we’ve been friends since we met, visiting each other whenever we could. P.J. was a big person with a big heart.
Roger and Virginia Rock
Fort Peck
Joanne Sturdevant says
So sorry to hear of P.J.s passing my brother Rick and PJ were best of friends. The shumaker family and Seteren family was close.PJ was a kind and good person and will be missed. So sorry De An I know you will truly miss him.
Sandie Waldo Viall says
So long my friend! May you rock and roll up yonder! PJ and my cousin Paul were the best of friends. What a wild and crazy pair they made. Lots of years, lots of memories. Sending condolences to the family.
Sandie
James Arneson says
I have missed seeing PJ since he moved to the Glendive facility. I lived over the hill from their ranch across from the Whitney Creek School with the Linnell family. I always enjoyed visiting with Payton about rounding up cattle or some other part of ranch life. Rest In Peace Payton.
Tim Meidinger says
Rest in the peace PJ…
judi m cramer says
oh back in the day of days.. we all had some wild oats to sew… you and the ones we love are not on this earth with any pain or suffering. take care old boy. love you still ..
Dawn Sanchez says
I don’t remember you but I knew your father who was my great great uncle. Say hi to my mom Charlotte and aunt Tammie up there in heaven. Rest in peace
Colette Ducklow says
I am s cousin to PJ and Mark, living in Wisconsin, but had the opportunity to spend the summer of 66 at the ranch. They showed me many things about ranching. First thing I learned was breakfast is not a bowl of cornflakes! A day’s work was from sun up to sun down. I saw PJ only a few times over the years, but always enjoyed the visit. PJ was a kind and gracious man. He will be missed. Rest in peace, Cuz
Tj Donahoe says
We worked on many construction jobs together …. Been a good ride PJ…