August 29, 1999

                                    MARK SCHUMANN
                           September 16,1955-August 26,1999
   
I was going to write something about Mark Schumann someone I had only
met once but made quite an impression on me. The Teddy Nelson crew parks next  to the Bill Davis #15 Open Wheel car that Mark owned at Desoto Speedway every  week so I thought that Cindy Nelson could help me gather information for me on him. The following is from Cindy in her own words....from the heart.....   Rick Anges
  
Mark was very dedicated to Bill Davis’ racing, he supported him 110%. He
wasn't only Bill's stepfather, he and Bill had a special friendship, they
were very close. Mark and Carlen were married May 23, 1986 , he had 2
stepchildren, Bill and Sandy, 3 grandchildren Brittany and Justine Hines, and
Brittany Stokes who he loved more than anything.  His vacations and days off
revolved around those grandkids he took them fishing, hunting and he would go to their baseball games, and watch the girls cheerlead.

"Poppy" as the grandkids called him centered his life around the grandkids, Bill's dad Gene called Mark his Husband -in-law they had a special relationship also. Mark was employed at Teco as a Lineman in Tampa, and raced the#16 modified mini at Desoto for 2 years, but the light of his life was Carlen who he adored so much.

They are all a very close family and he will be missed by a lot of people. Everyone Mark came in contact with he had an impact on, he left a lasting impression with everyone he met. He was such a likable guy, they say God only takes the best and that he has gotten in Mark Schuman!

                                                                    -Cindy Nelson