HARTSHORNE, Okla — The family of Christopher R. Schumacher is planning services to honor and celebrate his life with a special gathering Feb. 24, at the Congregational Church, Plainview. The event will begin at 1 p.m., and will be a time to share memories, stories and moments from Chris’ life. Christopher Schumacher was born July, 19, 1988, to Chad and Colleen (Carl) in Grand Forks, N.D. He attended grade school in Grand Forks, and moved to Plainview in the fifth grade. Christopher graduated from Randolph Public School in May 2006. He enlisted in the United States Air Force to ensure our freedom and safety around the world. In 2023, Christopher earned a bachelor of arts with a major in criminal justice policy from East Central University. Christopher attended basic military training at joint base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. It challenged him both mentally, physically and emotionally to get the skills and training he needed to develop into an airman. During his final week, Christopher celebrated his accomplishments with the Airman’s Run and the graduation ceremony when he officially became an Airman in the United States Air Force, Aug. 25, 2006. Christopher was stationed at Offut Air Force Base, host base for Strategic Air Command headquarters,Omaha.

He was the happiest helping others without any reason and give without the expectation of receiving anything in return. He valued this service highly and attained the rank of Technical Sergeant. As part of his service he committed eight years active-duty, deployed to the Middle East three times and was currently serving in the U.S. Air Force Reserves. He was employed by the Oklahoma State Parks as a park ranger for the last several years and was a member Hartshorne Volunteer Firefighter.

Christopher married the love of his life, Kara Dawn Pingleton, June 2, 2018, in McAlester, Okla. They were blessed with twin daughters, Haven and Harley. They made their home in Hartshorne, Okla.

Christopher loved his family and friends, cooking, hunting, wrestling and fishing. He earned the Army Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and Global War on Terrorism Medal.

Christopher is survived by his wife, Kara Schumacher; children, Haven and Harley Schumacher; parents, Chad and Colleen Schumacher; his sister, Jessica Fernau (Elgin) and their sons, Ruger and Kort, Plainview; his brother, Kenny Schumacher (Katie), and their son, Jayven, Lincoln; grandparent, Marilyn Carl, East Grand Forks, Minn.; and many uncles, aunts, cousins and nephews.

Christopher is preceded in death by his uncle, Marty “Sparky” Sparks; grandfather, Robert Carl; grandparents, Herm and Carol Schumacher; and great-grandparents, Lloyd and Kris Carstens.