Woman who lost son, husband donates toys to local organizations

When Laura Schumpert of Cape Girardeau lost her son, Lyndon, 2, and her husband, Jarred, 28, suddenly around Christmas, she asked for a special type of donation to be made in Lyndon's name.

Instead of flowers or a monetary donation, she asked people to donate toys, specifically Spider-Man toys, that would be donated to Missouri First Steps of Cape Girardeau, Cape Girardeau HealthPoint Rehab and Southeast Missouri State University's Autism Center.

On Feb. 6, Laura Schumpert donated a portion of the Spider-Man toys as well as a play kitchen set to the pediatric therapy unit at HealthPoint Rehab.

Lyndon was autistic, and received his therapy at HealthPoint Rehab months before his death.

The "Super Chef Kitchen" and several other toys had been purchased by his family as Christmas presents for Lyndon, according to a news release from SoutheastHEALTH, and after his death the family decided to donate the toys in his memory.

Kristin McRaven, an occupational therapist, and Emily Obergoenner, a speech therapist, worked with Lyndon during his visits.

"He was vibrant, full of life. He played hard at everything he did," McRaven said in the release.

Both employees recall what a joy it was working with him.

"He brought me flowers. He was one of those special kids," Obergoenner said.

Lyndon and Jarred died Dec. 22 in a car accident in Garland, Texas.

Laura Schumpert was driving when traffic began slowing down for an accident farther ahead, the Garland Police Department said in an earlier news release, and a full-size SUV struck the Schumperts' smaller SUV from behind, causing both vehicles to catch fire.

Jarred and Lyndon Schumpert died at the scene, and Laura Schumpert was taken to Parkland Hospital in Garland with non-life-threatening injuries, the release said.

The Dallas Morning News reported the family was returning to Missouri after visiting relatives in the Dallas area.

After Jarred and Lyndon's deaths, a friend of Jarred's set up a fundraising page for the family on youcaring.com. The fundraiser closed about a month ago, according to the website, and was able to raise $13,012 for the family.

smaue@semissourian.con

388-3644

Pertinent address:

Cape Girardeau, MO

Garland, Texas