Bill Shumate

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

William Edward “Bill” Shumate, age 78 of Joplin, Mo. went to be with the Lord on Thursday, September 15, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on October 21, 1937 in Neosho, Mo., the son of the late Franklin and Thelma (Freeman) Shumate, and later moved with his family to Granby, Mo. Where he attended school and lived until entering the United States Marine Corps in 1956. Following his service to his country, he returned home and was employed by AT&T and Lucent Technologies for 29 years as telephone equipment installer in various locations throughout the country. Bill served in the Jasper County Sheriff's Reserve for five years, he enjoyed watching St. Louis Cardinals baseball and spending time with his family.

He married Patricia (Pat) Miller on February 18, 1961, she survives. Their union produced three surviving children, two daughters; Terri Edens and husband Michael of Neosho, Sheryl Shumate of Rogers, Ar., one son; Will Shumate, Jr. and wife Anissa of Joplin. Additional survivors include three sisters; Annette Judd and husband Bill, Juanita Snyder and Oleva Whitaker, three grandchildren; Kelsey Scott, Chris Shumate and Max Lechner, and several nieces and nephews. William was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Turner, and by two brothers, John Shumate and Lewis Shumate.

Funeral services have been scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Monday, September 19, 2016 at the Mason-Woodard Chapel, Pastor Shannon Shewmake, will officiate. Burial will follow at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a time of visitation from 3 to 4 p.m. on Sunday afternoon.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory.