Ball State Athletics Remembers John Scheumann
October 06, 2020 | Football
Legacy Obituary:Â John Scheumann (1949-2020)
John Scheumann, a former Ball State football standout and a longtime supporter of the University, passed away last week. He was 71 years old.
Please read a statement from me and @bgoetz12 about the passing of @BallState alumnus and benefactor John Scheumann: pic.twitter.com/3ulFXm1Stz
— Geoffrey S. Mearns (@PresidentMearns) October 3, 2020
A defensive back for the 1969 and 1970 teams, Scheumann graduated from Ball State with a degree in accounting in 1971. After graduation, he worked in the housing industry and went on to co-found Crossmann Communities. A regional homebuilder based in Indianapolis, Crossmann grew to become America's 12th-largest homebuilder and earned a spot among Forbes magazine's "200 Best Small Companies in America" for three consecutive years.Â
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Scheumann, a native of Lafayette, Ind., served as the company's chairman and chief executive officer for several years before its merger with Beazer Homes. After the merger, he continued to be involved in numerous real estate and development ventures, including time as chairman and CEO of Tempest Homes.
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Scheumann Stadium, home of Cardinals football, was named in his honor and that of his wife, June, in recognition of their lead gift of $4 million to Drive to Distinction: The Ball State Stadium Campaign in 2005. The couple also contributed the lead gift for the Scheumann Family Indoor Practice Facility (Live Construction Camera) currently under construction and scheduled to open in the summer of 2021.
— Coach Mike Neu (@BSUCoachNeu) October 3, 2020
Previously, the couple donated $1 million toward the construction of the Fisher Football Training Complex, as well as another $700,000 for the installation of an artificial surface facility used by both the football and field hockey teams starting in 1997. The turf field was later updated in the fall of 2013 as part of the Briner Sports Complex project.
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In addition to his philanthropic efforts on behalf of Ball State, including multiple contributions to the University's residential property management program, he established the Scheumann Foundation in 2002. The independent foundation supports a variety of organizations, providing education, recreation and social development opportunities for young people, primarily in secondary schools as well as local YMCA and YWCA organizations throughout Indiana.
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He also served as a member of the board of directors of the Lafayette Parks Foundation and on the investment board of trustees of Family Services Asset Management. The longtime homebuilder was also active in Habitat for Humanity.
Statement from the @BallStateCVC Board of Directors on the passing of alumnus and benefactor John Scheumann: pic.twitter.com/1WWe2gTwfY
— Cardinal Varsity Club (@BallStateCVC) October 5, 2020
Ball State honored Scheumann for his work with the President's Medal of Distinction in 2010. He also received the Ball State Distinguished Alumni Award in 1998 and the Miller College of Business Alumni Award of Distinction in 2001.
Due to safety concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic, the service held in Scheumann's honor will be private.Â
In Lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in John's name to either Community Cancer Network at PO Box 4499 Lafayette, IN 47903, Habitat for Humanity at 420 S, 1st St, Lafayette, IN 47905 or a charity of your choice.Â
You may sign the guest book and leave memories at www.soller-baker.com
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