Neal Schuman

Long time county resident, Neal Schuman, traveled to his eternal home on Friday, August 28, 2020. He spent his final days surrounded by family and friends on the ranch on lower Crazy Woman.

Neal was born to Philip and Pauline (Goodman) Schuman, who both emigrated from Russia to this country to build a better life. He grew up and went to school in the Clearmont area where he graduated from high school, got married, and began his ranching career. Neal attended Sheridan College pursuing his dream of becoming a veterinary but a family crisis brought him back to ranching. He ranched in the Sheridan/Johnson County area until 1972 when he moved his family to the ranch on lower Crazy Woman.

Neal was passionate about ranching and enjoyed rodeoing and calf roping. He loved his cattle; he knew them and they knew him. He wasn’t just a rancher; he was deeply vested in his community. He served as a member of the Fair Board, Weed and Pest Control, Johnson County Commissioner, Wesleyan Church Board, was awarded the Lake DeSmet Outstanding Cooperator, and was one many “Chief Advisors” of the 9:00 Hardee’s Coffee Crew. Neal was also instrumental in bringing telephone service to the Crazy Woman Valley.

Many of Neal’s adult years were spent guiding deer, antelope, and elk hunters. He was also active in the Ranch Recreation Program. He felt it was vitally important to serve as an ambassador of the West educating people from diverse backgrounds on the close relationship between agriculture and ecology. Showing that protecting the environment would allow future generations to hunt and ranch.

Friends, family, and acquaintances all knew him as a master prankster. April Fool’s Day was his favorite holiday. Neal loved kids, supporting various church camps, the 4-H program, and donating calves to the Supreme Cow Contest.

Neal loved his family and was deeply committed to the success of the family ranch. He is survived by his children: Gay (Lloyd) Wise, Lorri (Scott) Lutterman, Pat (Marlene) Schuman, and Paul (Lara) Schuman. Grandchildren: Amy (Quint) Gonzales, Amanda (Andrew) Smolinski, Trevor (Tana) Lutterman, Lindsey Wise, Mallory (Carl) Singleton, Allegra Schuman, Kaden (Dulce Ruiz) Schuman. His sister, Lucille Myers; sister-in-law, Sally Miller, and 11 greatgrandchildren all survive him.

A celebration of Neal’s life will be held in the Grandstands at the Johnson County Fairgrounds on Saturday, September 5, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., followed by a time of fellowship with coffee and doughnuts. Friends, may if they wish, donate to Buffalo Salvation Army c/o Crisis Center P.O. Box 1001 Buffalo, WY 82834 or Johnson County Fairgrounds Foundation P.O. Box 911 Buffalo, WY 82834.  Champion Funeral Home has been entrusted with local arrangements.  Online condolences may be written at www.championfh.com.