Wally was born on October 22, 1913 in Akron, Iowa to Henry and Belle Schumacher, the third of four children.
He grew up in Nebraska and Sioux City Iowa where he received his education. He spent most of his summers with his grandparents and working on his uncles farm delivering milk by horseback. After graduating from high school in Sioux City, Wally went to work for Walgreens Drug.
While working for Walgreens Wally spent most of his time traveling. His territory ranged from Chicago throughout the West. While on a sales trip in October of 1938, Wally met this beautiful lady working at a drug store in Rawlins Wyoming. They enjoyed each others company and Wally found it hard to leave. When he did leave, a freak accident involving Wallys car and a westbound train reunited the couple long enough that they knew they didn't want to be separated again.
Wally married Mildred E. Hoyt January 22, 1939 at her parents home in Junction City, Kansas. They were blessed with five children; Wallace Worth II in 1940, James Norwood in 1942, Jeanene in 1946, Lacinda in 1956, and Jill in 1957.
In 1944 Wally joined the Marines to serve in World War II. He received an honorary discharge for being seriously wounded, which later lead to being awarded the Purple Heart. Throughout their marriage Wally continued working for Walgreens opening drug stores in many areas of the United States. He went back to school and attended Idaho States School of Pharmacy and graduated with honors. After graduating from college Wally owned his own drug store in Blackfoot, Idaho. They then went to Las Vegas, Nevada where he was in management for Walgreens. In 1964 Wally and Midge and their two youngest girls settled in Montana, first in Mile City and finally in Broadus in 1968. There they owned and operated the Reliable Drug Store until 1978 when they retired. They spent many winters in Las Vegas visiting children and grandchildren, which Wally continued to do after Midge died. He was blessed with good health, which allowed him to continue to live a rewarding and happy life on the ranch. Wally enjoyed his daily trips to town where he played pool and weekly card games with his dear friends. In these later years, the highlight of Wallys life was his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Wally was an avid craftsman, woodworker and artist, and especially known for his sign painting and beautiful penmanship. He loved the country lifestyle including, being outdoors and raising horses. He was known throughout the county for his care and contribution to the community.
He is survived by son Worth Schumacher and wife Carol of Broadus Montana, granddaughter Cody Schumacher, Samantha Schumacher, and Kristen Peterson and husband Scott; son James Schumacher of Boulder City, Nevada, granddaughter Sommer Killian and husband Doug, great-grandchildren Jake, Rachel, and Claire, grandson Brain Schumacher and wife Lindy, great-grandchildren Charly, Samantha, and Teddy; daughter Jeanene Bunker and husband Keith of Henderson, Nevada, grandson Greg Bunker and wife Jennifer, great-grandchildren Lauren, Sydney, and Hannah, granddaughter Nicci Sleeter and husband Jason; daughter Cindy White and husband Michael of West Linn, Oregon, granddaughter Lindsey Futrell and husband Aaron, great-grandchildren Zander and Zackery, grandson Preston White and wife Taylor, grandson Cooper White and wife Anjuli, granddaughter Megan Lee and husband Kenny, great-grandchild Bennett, and granddaughters Kelsey White, Aubree White, and Taylor White; and daughter Jill Lewis and husband Nick of Chester, Virginia, grandsons Chad Gatlin, Courtney Gatlin, and Logan Aker.
Wally was preceded in death by his wife Mildred E. Schumacher in September 1994, two brothers and a sister.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 23, 2009 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Broadus from 1 to 6pm. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Powder River Congregational Church in Broadus. Interment will follow at the Valley View Cemetery with full Military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.comShould friend desire, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Broadus has been entrusted with the arrangements.
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