Rick Shumar

Rick Shumar, 68, of Shelbyville, Indiana, passed away September 18, 2026. Rick lived a life filled with music, laughter, family, generosity, sports, and a whole lot of personality.

If you knew Rick, you knew music was never just something he listened to; it was part of who he was. His passion began early and carried him through a lifetime of playing in numerous bands and eventually into the entertainment industry, where he worked as an agent and later proudly owned BST Entertainment, lovingly named after Brooke, Shannon, and Tori.

Music was one of the ways Rick understood the world and, perhaps more importantly, expressed how he felt. He had a special gift for sharing a song with someone he cared about when words weren't quite enough. Above all, he loved Frank Sinatra. “My Way” held a special place in Rick's heart, and anyone who knew him understood why. Rick truly did things his way.

His greatest pride and joy were his daughters and grandsons, whom he loved more than anything. He was also eagerly awaiting the arrival of his first granddaughter, Emma Hittinger. Rick passed away just two days before she was born. Though he never had the chance to meet her, Emma will grow up knowing how deeply her grandfather already loved her and how excited he was to welcome her into the family.

Rick celebrated his girls' accomplishments as though they were his own. Shannon especially remembers his support throughout her years singing with the Columbus Children's Choir. After one Christmas concert, Rick dropped to his knees and pulled her into the biggest hug, overwhelmed with pride. He later watched her perform with the choir at Carnegie Hall, another moment of immense pride. Those moments captured Rick perfectly: when someone he loved was happy, he was happy, and when they accomplished something, he celebrated wholeheartedly.

An avid sports fan, Rick especially loved IU basketball and took his loyalties seriously. He was appalled when Brooke attended Purdue University and again when Cameron followed in her footsteps. Still, Brooke managed to sneak a Purdue Christmas ornament onto his tree, and there is even photographic evidence of Rick wearing a Purdue T-shirt. It may not have been his proudest moment, but it was love.

Although his youngest daughter, Tori, unfortunately couldn't be here for Rick's services, we're pretty sure she was simply making one last attempt to earn favorite-daughter status by giving him his first granddaughter. It was a bold strategy, and considering how excited Rick was to meet Emma, it may have worked.

Rick loved watching Cameron race motocross and would tell anyone within earshot about his racing. Cameron was also someone Rick knew he could count on to lend a hand around the house, and occasionally make a cigarette run, even though Cameron knew perfectly well his mom wasn't going to be happy about it. It was one of those little conspiracies between grandfather and grandson that became part of their story.

Rick also had a lifelong love of baseball, even occasionally letting his daughters skip school to attend games with him. He passed that love on to Shannon, who shared it with her four boys. Rick loved watching videos of Landon, Cruze, Hudson, and Davis playing and never stopped talking about Landon's and Cruze's home runs. Seeing his grandsons share his love of the game brought him tremendous joy.

Christmas was Rick's favorite holiday, and he didn't believe the Christmas spirit needed to end just because the calendar said it should. His trees had a way of staying up well beyond the season, because why take them down when you can keep enjoying them?

Rick also loved life's simple routines. He looked forward to his 8 a.m. coffee and could happily settle in to watch Everybody Loves Raymond. He often said, “Life is hard. Wear a helmet.” It was funny, practical, and very Rick.

Beneath the humor was an enormous heart. While Rick's health limited many of the things he could physically do, it never limited his ability to show up for those he loved. As his mother's health declined, he faithfully called her every day, offered his support, and remained actively involved in her care and medical decisions. After her passing, he became a source of strength for his sister, often reminding her they would get through the loss together. Rick shared a close bond with his sister, who devoted so much of her time and energy to making sure he had the best quality of life possible. He treasured their time together, especially their weekend lunches, which became a special tradition they both looked forward to. Her love, care, and constant presence meant more to him than words could express. He insisted on remaining in his home, and Shelley made this possible for him.

Rick believed in giving, even when he didn't have much to give, and regularly donated to charities. His generosity wasn't about having plenty; it was about believing that whatever you had, you could share something with someone who needed it.

Rick was also blessed with two beloved caregivers, Lynn and Elizabeth, whose care and love went far beyond their roles. They cared for Rick as though he were family, and he felt the same about them. They became part of his family in every way that mattered.

Rick is survived by his daughters, Brooke Huffman (Bryce Huffman), Shannon Hurley (Ryan Hurley), and Victoria Hittinger (Ryan Hittinger); his grandsons, Cameron Huffman, Landon Hurley, Cruze Hurley, Hudson Hurley, Davis Hurley, and Matthew Hittinger; and his granddaughter, Emma Hittinger. He is also survived by his sister, Donna Shumar, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and extended family members, including Patti Mundinger, mother of his daughters. Rick was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Lorena Shumar.

Rick's greatest legacy will not be found in the bands he played with, the entertainment agency he built, or the songs he shared. It will be found in the people he loved, the people he made laugh and feel supported, and the countless memories he left behind. He had a song for every feeling, a joke for every situation, an opinion for every sporting event, and a way of making sure you knew exactly where he stood. He always said everything is going to work out, and he believed that with his whole heart.

He loved fiercely, gave generously, laughed often, and lived authentically. And when the final song played, there was really only one way Rick would have wanted it.

He did it his way.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, with Mass at 11:00 am, on Thursday, September 24, 2026 at St. Louis de Montfort Catholic Church, 11441 Hague Road, in Fishers. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rush Shelby CASA in Rick’s memory, supporting their work advocating for children and families in the community.

Rush Shelby CASA (The court and child advocacy Group), 1110 Amos Rd, Shelbyville Indiana 46176  (rushandshelbycasa.org).