John H. Schoolman

John H. Schoolman, 100, of Irish Lake, Leesburg, Indiana, died on 5/21/2009 at 5:50 pm at Kosciusko Community Hospital Warsaw, Indiana. He was born on January 22, 1909 in Miami County, Indiana. John was the son of Herman Jacob and Francis Eleanor (Demuth) Schoolman. He married Ada L. Fuller on June 14, 1936 in Peru, Indiana. Ada preceded him in death on March 14, 1978.He owned Schoolman's Grocery, Bippus, Indiana which he started in 1930. He also delivered ice throughout the community and butchered cattle and hogs and smoked his meats for the store.He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, drafted as one of the oldest draftees. He served in the military police, guarding German war prisoners.John was a member of New Hope United Church of Christ, Bippus, Indiana as well as many other clubs including the Odd Fellows and Masons.He was a member of Senior Primelife Enrichment Center of North Webster and American Legion Post #253, North Webster.His avocation has brought him considerable recognition, he is a local folk artist with his own unique way in making canes and walking sticks along with other natural pieces of art.He has been recognized in local newspapers and articles have been written on his art in magazines and covered on television. Also the works have been presented in local museums and libraries. His art was featured through this Christmas Holiday by the Central Library in Fort Wayne.He has been recognized by the Art Department at Indiana University, which has purchased some of his work.He made a Presidential Cane and sent it to President George W. Bush in October 2007. He has made thousands of canes from sticks he picked up on his 5 mile-a-day walks.Some of his works currently are displayed at the Senior Primelife Enrichment Center of North Webster.John is survived by 6 Grandchildren; Gary (Mallory) Miniear, Winona Lake, IndianaPete (Shelley) Miniear, FloridaConrad (Carolyn) Miniear, MontanaDebbie Freeman, OklahomaSaundra McCauley, ConnecticutMarta (Jake) Wonder, Bloomington, Indiana23 Great Grandchildren and numerous Great-Great Grandchildren.John is also preceded in death by a Son; Robert Howard Schoolman and a Daughter; Dorothy Mills, 1 Brother and 1 Sister. Services will be held at McHatton-Sadler Funeral Chapel,Warsaw, Indiana on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 10:00 am with Pastor LarryHolderbaum officiating.. Calling hours will be 4:00 - 8:00 pm at the funeral chapel on Wednesday, May 27, 2009. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery with Military Honors by American Legion Post #253, North Webster. McHatton-Sadler funeral Chapel, Warsaw, Indiana is in charge of arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to The Senior Primelife Enrichment Center of North Webster.