Arthur Kenneth Shumate

COLONEL ARTHUR KENNETH SHUMATE
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron 10

Born on July 2, 1933, in Kissimmee, Florida, to Armstead Kemper Shumate and Estel Hirtzel Shumate, Arthur "Art" Kenneth Shumate grew up in nearby St. Cloud, Florida. Driven by a commitment to service, he earned a congressional appointment to the inaugural classes of the United States Air Force Academy.

During his time at USAFA as a member of Cadet Squadron 10, Art distinguished himself through extensive involvement in cadet life. He competed as a student-athlete on both the Rifle Team and the Soccer Team, served on the business staff for Base Leg, and contributed to the production of the Polaris yearbook. He graduated on June 3, 1959, embarking on a distinguished 30-year military career. At the time of his passing in 2004, he held the distinction of being the oldest living graduate of the Air Force Academy.

Military Career & Combat Service

Following graduation, Art entered primary and basic pilot training at Bartow Air Base and Vance Air Force Base, earning his wings in 1960. He remained at Vance AFB through 1965 as an Instructor Pilot with the 3576th Pilot Training Squadron, shaping the next generation of Air Force aviators.

In 1965, Art answered the call to Southeast Asia, deploying to Tra Vinh, South Vietnam, as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) and pilot with the 22nd Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS). For his exceptional valor, precision under fire, and flying skill during combat operations, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and 27 Air Medals.

Upon returning to the United States in 1966, Art continued his instructional duties with the 3511th Flying Training Squadron at Randolph AFB before serving on the Air Staff within the Military Personnel Center (MPC).

Senior Leadership & Command

Recognized for his tactical skill and strategic leadership, Art was selected to attend the prestigious Royal Air Force Command and Staff College (RAF CSC) in Bracknell, United Kingdom, graduating in 1970. He then served as a Staff Officer at Headquarters Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) through 1974.

Art stepped into squadron command from 1974 to 1977, leading the 82nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Webb Air Force Base. Demonstrating a dedication to lifelong learning, he completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Purdue University in 1978.

His late-career assignments reflected his expertise in flight testing and defense acquisition:

• 1979–1982: Vice Commander of the 4950th Test Wing at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
• 1982–1985: Commander of Detachment 9, Air Force Contract Management Division at Boeing Company in Seattle, Washington.

Colonel Shumate retired from active duty in 1985 after 30 years of honorable service to the nation.

Civilian Life, Family, & Legacy

Following his Air Force retirement, Art transitioned seamlessly into the private defense sector, working as a manager for Boeing Aircraft. He settled in Decatur, Alabama, where he was an active parishioner at the Annunciation of the Lord Catholic Church.

Art passed away on December 11, 2004, at the age of 71. He was laid to rest at his beloved alma mater in the U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

He is survived by his wife, Carole H. Shumate; his daughters, Darlene Shumate and Debra (Bill) Gerhard; his son, Mark (Julie) Shumate; and his granddaughters, Kimberly and Christine Shumate.

EDUCATION

U.S. Air Force Academy Bachelor of Science (CS-10) 1959
RAF Command and Staff College (Bracknell, UK) Intermediate Service School 1970
Purdue University Master of Business Administration (MBA) 1978

MEDALS & MAJOR AWARDS


Legion of Merit 2
Distinguished Flying Cross 1
Bronze Star Medal 1
Meritorious Service Medal 2
Air Medal 27
Air Force Commendation Medal 1
Air Force Achievement Medal 1

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS


1959–1960 Pilot Training Bartow AB / Vance AFB
1961–1965 Instructor Pilot 3576th Pilot Training Sq, Vance AFB
1965–1966 Pilot / Forward Air Controller (FAC) 22nd TASS, Tra Vinh, South Vietnam
1966–1968 Instructor Pilot 3511th Flying Training Sq, Randolph AFB
1968–1969 Air Staff Officer Air Force Military Personnel Center (MPC), Randolph AFB
1969–1970 Student RAF Command and Staff College, Bracknell, UK
1970–1974 Staff Officer HQ PACAF, Hickam AFB
1974–1977 Squadron Commander 82nd Tactical Fighter Sq, Webb AFB
1978 Post-Graduate Student (MBA) Purdue University
1979–1982 Vice Commander 4950th Test Wing, Wright-Patterson AFB
1982–1985 Commander Detachment 9, AFCMD (Boeing Co.), Seattle, WA