Alton Clarence Shumaker was born in Columbia, Louisiana, on July 2, 1940, to Steve and Ola Shumaker. Al was the middle of five children. He left home to join the navy at the age of 17 and served for 10 years, including 3 years in the Vietnam War.

He married his wife, Donna on November 1, 1962, and moved her to live with him on the Navy base in Yokohama, Japan.  Alton and Donna would have celebrated their 60th anniversary on November 1, 2022. Their first son, Mark, was born in Yokosuka, Japan.

After leaving the Navy, the young family moved to Oregon where Alton worked as a truck driver for the next 30 years for Gallo and Valley Wine Company. Alton and Donna raised their children in Oregon City and Beavercreek.

He was preceded in death by his parents and older siblings: Calton and Alvin. He is survived by his wife, Donna, younger siblings, Verlon and Earlon, five children: Mark (Mindy), Karin, Chad, Steve (Maggie), and Suzi, 14 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.