Louis “Lou” Frederick Schuman Jr. age 68, passed on June 23, 2026 at his residence in Cottage Grove, Oregon.
Lou was born in Camden, NJ to Josephine (Bondio) and Louis Schuman, and raised in Middle River, Md. He was an athlete, playing recreational baseball and football, and in high school, football and lacrosse. He graduated from Eastern Vocational Technical High School with a focus on maintenance/welding, which led him to his job with Ledford Welding. Soon after, Lou joined the Navy as a jet mechanic for the P3 Orion with VXN-8. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he continued his career with McDonald Douglas (now Boeing) supporting the Harrier and F18 Flight Programs, eventually retiring with Boeing. Lou took pride in his work and received many accolades for the support he provided during his long career at Patuxent River Naval Air Station.
To call Lou a “Jack of All Trades” would be an understatement: not only was he skilled repairing aircraft, he was also able to build and repair automotive vehicles and marine equipment. He knew the ins and outs of home construction, using these skills for both his own projects and to assist family and friends. Lou was always very artistic and in his later years enjoyed learning photography, where he loved capturing his granddaughters’ sporting events. He was a music buff and appreciated the classic rock that colored his youth, taking the opportunity during retirement to attend a variety of concerts. Lou also found immense joy caring for his two dogs Kate and Abby, who were spoiled and very much loved.
He leaves behind his two daughters, Danielle Zelinsky (Chris) and Elizabeth Schuman, granddaughters Elyse and Nora, sister Leslie Hook and brother Charles Schuman (Kelly) and other close family/friends. He had recently reconnected and shared the last year of his life with Diana Johnson, who attended to him faithfully during his final months.
Those of you who knew Lou would not be surprised that there are no formal memorial services planned; that wasn’t his style. To honor his memory you can instead listen to your favorite songs and appreciate the ride of life. “If I don’t meet you no more in this world, then I’ll meet ya on the next one… and don’t be late.”- Jimi Hendrix