Rev. Robert Schumacher

The Rev. Robert A. Schumacher, 80, entered eternal life Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005.

Father Bob was an outspoken pacifist and civil rights advocate. He supported justice for children and women victims of domestic violence.

An avid golfer, canoeist and hiker, he enjoyed vacationing in Glacier Park until Parkinson's disease restricted his outdoor activities.

Born April 26, 1924, in Kelso, Mo., he was the son of John Henry and Margaret Agnes Bigler Schumacher, both of Cobden, Ill.

He attended Kenrick Seminary in the Catholic Archdiocese of St. Louis, and was ordained a priest June 7, 1947. His first Mass was celebrated in Kelso at his home parish of St. Augustine.

In June 1954 he was assigned to St. Mary's Parish in Cape Girardeau to build the new Cape Catholic High School, which replaced St. Mary's High School, his alma mater. He taught theology, Latin and French at Cape Catholic High School while serving as assistant pastor at Oran, Mo. He then served in parishes at Caruthersville, Doniphan and Grandin, Sikeston, Scott City and Dexter, Mo.

Father Bob's father was proprietor of Schumacher Mercantile of Kelso until his death. His mother, Agnes, an avid cook and gardener, then served as parish housekeeper for Father Bob until her death at age 93. Father Bob was devoted to his mother for her service with him in his pastor's work.

He is survived by his sister, Mary Asip of San Mateo, Calif., and brother and fellow golfer and cribbage partner, Leonard J. Schumacher of Saxony Village.

He was preceded in death by brothers Frances, James and Tom.

His body was donated to research.

A celebration memorial Mass will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at St. Mary's, with Bishop John Leibrecht officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Birthright.