Paul Roger "Pablo" Schuman, 92, of Columbia City, passed away at 1:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at Parkview Whitley Hospital, Columbia City.

Born on August 22, 1933, in Whitley County, Indiana, he was a son of the late Homer Earl and Dorothy C. (Kanable) Schuman.  Growing up on a farm in Richland, Twp., he graduated from Larwill High School in 1951.  He continued his education at Purdue University, where he earned a Bachelor of Agriculture in 1955.

Joining the U.S. Navy, he served until 1958.  He was stationed on Midway Island for most of his 2 years stint, along with the"Gooney Birds" who mainly populated the mostly deserted island.

Returning to the Schuman family farm in Richland Twp., he worked the land with his father and later with his brother, Richard.  He continued to oversee the grain farming operation into his 70s.  He was proud to preserve the family homestead which was farmed by three generations before him, established in 1854 by his great grandfather. The farm was awarded the Hoosier Homestead Award in 2012 in recognition of over 150 years in the same family.  Even after retirement, he couldn't stop worrying about the weather and the crops for those who lease the land!

Paul traveled the country by car (a red Pontiac LeMans with black seats and no air conditioning in August!) with his family as his children grew. He loved the western states and western Canada the most.  The song "Country Roads" was popular one summer and that became a favorite song for him and the family.  He also flew to Hawaii twice with the children and his sisters and made great memories there.

As an avid Purdue University fan, Paul enjoyed following the football and basketball games – although he sometimes became so excited he had to turn the television off and listen by radio instead!

For the past 45 years, Paul spent his winters in Costa Rica, adopting the name Pablo.  Becoming familiar with Central America and learning to speak Spanish, he made many dear friends.  He visited other Central and South American countries, including Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Colombia, and Cuba.  He also traveled to Eastern Europe and Thailand, always preferring the warmer climates.

Surviving are his daughters, Diana (Kim) Hare and Lisa Peppler (Todd Bills), both of Columbia City; grandchildren, Shelby (Michael) Brauer and Kayli (Connor) Ruby; great-grandchildren, Adeline, Maverick, Avery, Charlotte, Owen, and Vivian to whom he was known as Papa Pablo; and sisters, Mary E. Schuman and Nancy J. Schuman, both of Columbia City.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by a brother, Richard Schuman.

Visitation is 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday (Oct 11th) with a funeral service beginning at 4 p.m. at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Paul's honor to the Schuman Family Scholarship Fund c/o the Purdue Foundation, Gift Processing, PO Box 772401, Detroit, MI 48277-2401.

Condolences may be sent to www.smithandsonsfuneralhome.com