Life is full of challenges and trials – but count it all joy (James 1:2) and live life with optimism and a smile.  Look for ways to lift and minister to others AND always fine time to enjoy a bowl of ice cream.

Such was the life of Larry Dewayne Shumard, who passed away Sunday afternoon surrounded by those he loved and who loved him.  Larry's love of people and his devoted life of being a disciple of Christ has prompted many expressions from friends from all over the world at his passing.

Larry was the fourth son of Thomas and Betty Shumard.  At a young age, Larry learned the importance of hard work, serving others and facing life's challenges with optimism.  He grew up in a home where he was taught the gospel of Christ and attended the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Larry attributed his greatest blessings in life to always remembering and following Christ and keeping His commandments.

At age 19, Larry was called on a mission to serve the people of France and Switzerland where he preached the gospel with love and devotion.

The greatest blessing in life came when he was sealed to his eternal companion, Gayle Elaine Johnson, on August 15, 1975 in the Idaho Falls Temple.

Larry's love for Gayle and her love in return provided the firm foundation upon which they built the home that would see four children raised with love and a solid foundation of important truths of the gospel of Christ.

Larry was asked to take on many different responsibilities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, with the support of Gayle as he served faithfully in his callings.  Many tender and sacred experiences filled and impacted his life as he served in various callings, including Bishop and Stake President.  His focus was on the youth as he guided them to see their worth as a child of God.

He took that same fervor as he was called as the President of the of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where he and Gayle ministered with 160 missionaries to people of Congo.  Larry and Gayle's courage, faith and devotion allowed them to bless many lives and provided their four children and 16 grandchildren with a strong example of faith, love and enduring to the end.

Larry loved ministering and assisting others.  He enjoyed helping them feel of the Savior's love by Christlike service.

Larry is survived by his eternal companion, Gayle; three brothers, Dave, Ron and Kevin; children Farrah (Mike Hansen), Damone (Tanna), Blair (Kendra), and Samantha (Mike Berry); and 15 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 11:00 am at the Fort Wayne Stake Center, 5401 St Joe Rd., in Fort Wayne, Indiana.  Due to COVID restrictions, funeral services will be by invitation only; however, the services will also be streamed virtually.  Below is the link –

Please click the link below to join the broadcast:

https://zoom.us/j/94004095497

Webinar ID: 940 0409 5497 International numbers available: https://zoom.us/u/aBGFLazvX

A viewing will be held the night before on Monday, April 19, 2021, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the Covington Memorial Funeral Home at 8408 Covington Rd in Fort Wayne and again prior to the funeral on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on St. Joe Rd.