Luke Duane Schemm, 17, of Sharon Springs, Kansas, died Wednesday, November 4, 2015, after collapsing at his high school football playoff game on Tuesday, November 3.
He was born December 2, 1997, in Tribune, Kansas, the son of David and Lisa (Coston) Schemm. He attended Wallace County High School and was involved in a myriad of school and community activities. Luke lived his life passionately and positively impacted the lives of everyone he knew.
Luke had many diverse passions, and excelling in sports was one. Though he was a well accomplished athlete, Luke never sought accolades for himself, but more so for his team. Anyone who played with Luke can attest to his sportsmanship and to his humility; however, his athletic success cannot be denied. Luke was a four year starter in football; WCHS Football Practice Player of the Year, freshman; All-State underclassman in football, sophomore; All-District Linebacker 1st team, sophomore; All-League Linebacker 1st team and All-League Running Back 2nd team, sophomore; Football Captain, junior; All-League 1st team Linebacker and 2nd Team Running Back, junior; All-District MVP Defensive Player of the Year, junior.
Luke was also a three year starter in basketball; All-League basketball 3rd team, sophomore; 1A State Basketball Runner-Up, sophomore; WCHS Most Improved Basketball Player, sophomore; Basketball Co-captain, junior; Top-side Tip-Off All-Tournament team, junior; All-State Basketball Tournament Team, junior; Basketball All-League 1st team, junior; 1A DII State Basketball Championship, junior; 1A DII Basketball 1st Team All-State, junior. Luke was also a three year state qualifier in high jump; 1A State Track High Jump 2nd place, freshman; 4th place, sophomore; 3rd place, junior.
Besides athletics, Luke was well-rounded in other areas. Because Luke’s classmates respected him and his ability to lead by example, Luke served as class president and student council representative from his freshman to senior year. Luke’s talents also extended to participating in band, vocal, forensics, and the school play. Academically, Luke continued to attain excellence. He was a 4.0 student, pending valedictorian of his class, and a member of the National Honor Society since his sophomore year. He was also recognized as a Student Ambassador to the People to People Ambassador Programs. Luke was a very active eleven year participant in 4-H where he served in many leadership roles including the Smoky Valley 4-H Club President, 4-H Parliamentarian, 4-H Council Member, 4-H Council Representative, and 4-H Council Treasurer. He competed in various 4-H competitive events including steers, foods, woodworking, rocketry, and small engines. Serving his community was very important to Luke. Besides many community volunteer hours, Luke was a mentor in the Big Brother/Big Sister program and attended the Hi-Plains Baptist Church in Sharon Springs.
Having been raised on his family’s farm, a strong work ethic was learned by Luke at a very early age. It was this drive and wise advice from his parents that gave him the determination to always strive to succeed and never to settle for less than his best. Always looking for the next adventure, he had many hobbies and interests including working on his race car and restoring vehicles. He had started racing two years ago and was always trying to improve his car. More importantly, he loved living life to his fullest with his brother Clay. They enjoyed everything, as long as it was together. Luke lived his life with passion and continues to be an inspiration to all that knew him.
Surviving family includes his parents David and Lisa Schemm; brother Clay Schemm; grandparents Vernon and Dixie Schemm, all of Sharon Springs; grandparents Scott and Rhonda Coston of Somerset, Texas; aunts and uncles Steve Schemm, his wife Michelle, and their children Caleb, Zachary, Jadon, and Mykah, all of Wallace; Mike Kuykendall, his wife Diane, and their children Sarah, Matthew, Lauren, and Gregory, all of Weskan; Paul Meyer, his wife Mary, and their children Amand Ammons, Her husband Kileab, and their children Colton and Chase, all of Auburn; Lane Coston, his wife Joanna, and their daughter Shelby Gothard, all of Brady, Texas; Lyle Coston and his wife Brenda of Cypress, Texas.
The funeral will be Tuesday, November 10, at 10:30 AM MT, at the Wallace County High School Gym in Sharon Springs, with Pastor Rick Dewees officiating. Burial will follow in the Sharon Springs Cemetery.
Friends may share their respects on Tuesday, from 8:30 until 10:30 AM MT, at the Wallace County High School Gym.
Memorials may be designated to the Luke Schemm Memorial, and may be left at the service or Eastern Colorado Bank in Sharon Springs, or mailed to Koons Funeral Home, 211 N. Main, Goodland, KS 67735-1555.
Hays, Kansas – Donald W. Schmidt, age 66, died Saturday, November 7, 2015, at South Wind Hospice in Pratt, Kansas.
