Major Bret David Schomaker, USMC, Ret., 61, of Olathe, KS passed away on January 22, 2020.
He was born on November 17, 1958 to Larry and Evelyn (Duffek) Schomaker at Limestone, ME. Growing up, his family moved frequently following his father who was a career Airman. He lived in France, Florida, Panama, Nebraska, Missouri.
Bret graduated from Southeast Missouri State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice and minor in History. He answered the call to serve his country on June 14, 1980 when he was commissioned into the United States Marine Corps. He was promoted to Captain on December 04, 1984 and then to Major on July 01, 1992. Bret was a Company Commander of the 1/5 Marines based at Camp Pendleton, CA when the battalion was deployed to Kuwait in July 1990. He served in both Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm.
After a twenty-year career, Bret retired as a Major from 24th Marine Regiment at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base.
Bret transitioned to the corporate world in February 2001, joining Sprint as a Technical Project Manager. During his time at the company, he held multiple positions ranging from Project Management to Network Operations while also being an active member of the Veterans group. Bret appreciated the relationships he had with so many friends and co-workers.
On September 14, 2012, he married Anna Marie Dumetz. Bret and Anna lived in Olathe, Kansas.
Bret treasured time with his grandchildren. He always had pictures of their sporting events and birthday parties ready to share. He was a proud father to his children and step-children. He enjoyed golf, biking, archery, genealogy research, travel, watching the St. Louis Cardinals and woodworking. When asked about retirement, he would often say "I plan on making sawdust".
Bret is survived by his loving wife, Anna Dumetz, parents Larry and Evelyn Schomaker, daughter Michelle (Matthew) Craft, son Christopher Schomaker, daughter Rachel (Evan) Fabi, stepson Anthony Scally and stepdaughter Nicole (Frank) Ferro, grandchildren Logan Craft, Garrett Craft, Isabel Ferro and Elliot Ferro and sister Joycelyn (Paul) Uhlmansiek.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Semper Fi Fund semperfifund.org
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