Robert D. Shoemaker

Robert D Shoemaker, known as “Bob” to family and friends, of Alliance, OH passed away August 2024 at age 98. He was the son of the late Lloyd and Emma Shoemaker. Robert was preceded in death by his wife Margaret “Ethel” (McAlister) Shoemaker; and daughter, Jean Shoemaker; his three sisters, Margarie (Robert) Griffith, June (Rufus) Nunamaker, and Anita Rose (Raymond) Willig and his brother, Carl “Jack” (Myrle) Shoemaker. He is survived by his younger brother, John (Pat) Shoemaker; his daughter Carol (Jim) King; grandchildren, Jennifer (Nick) Roesler and Matthew (Christen) King; and great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Adalyn, and Claire.

Bob grew up in Huntington, IN and was the third of six children. At the time, our country was recovering from “The Great Depression.” He learned at an early age, the value of helping others as well as the importance of teamwork. At eighteen, he was drafted. He chose the U.S. Army. He wanted his feet firmly on the ground. Bob was a lineman in the 410th Artillery Group, which landed on Utah Beach in Normandy on Sept 16, 1944, and then moved across Europe setting up communications via “wire” between the artillery units and command. Around December 1944, the 410th was engaged in combat against the large German counter-offensive “Battle of the Bulge”. Bob served 18 months overseas during WWII. He traveled to Wales, England, France, Luxemburg, Germany, and Austria. He returned home following an honorable discharge in Feb 1946. He was awarded the European Theater Ribbon with four bronze stars (battles), the Good Conduct Medal, and the World War Two Victory Medal. Bob was proud to have served our country, and fought for our freedom. Later, when telling stories to his family, Bob’s positive nature came through, he chose to remember and share humorous and funny stories.

 After returning home to Huntington, IN, Bob soon moved to Alliance, OH in 1949 to work for Olan Mills Studio photography. He met Margaret at a dance, and they jitterbugged into marriage in 1950. 

Bob and Margaret bought a house on three acres outside of Alliance, but not far from the McAlister family farm. They had two lovely daughters. They planted a huge garden which became a family project. Bob worked as an insurance salesman for John Hancock Insurance for over 25 years, retiring in 1985. 

Carol married, and gave Bob and Margaret two grandchildren, Jennifer, and Matthew. A great grand-son followed from Jennifer, and two great grand-daughters followed from Matthew. 

Bob’s daughter, Jean, a teacher at Lake Elementary School in Hartville, did not marry. She resided with Bob and Margaret at the family home near Alliance for many years. Jean passed away in April 2015 after a battle with cancer. 

Bob lost Margaret in November 2017 after 67 years of marriage.

Bob loved his family and friends. He and Margaret worked hard to make their home a welcoming and fun place for people to gather. Margaret would cook and bake. Her pies were a favorite, and of course, Bob would dish out the ice cream. Bob loved ice cream! Bob made it his job to involve everyone in the backyard games – croquet, badminton, wiffleball, volley ball, or corn hole. Inside games included cards, ping pong, shuffle board and jig saw puzzles. 

The family went on many outings, such as, mini-golf, picnics, fireworks, parades, festivals, vacations, and local sporting events throughout the years. 

As you can see, Bob loved to be at the center of activity and fun. He was active in church. He was a member of the New Baltimore Athlete’s Club, helped with maintaining the park and ball fields, and played slow-pitch soft ball for many years. Bob bowled for 50+ years, and was still bowling in 2020 only to be interrupted by the pandemic. After his retirement, Bob took up golf, a talent that he then taught and shared with his grandson, Matthew. He, also, enjoyed playing ping pong at the Alliance Senior Center. Bob was a fun-loving person and enjoyed the people around him. 

Calling hours will be held from 5:00-7:00 on Monday, August 19th at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 20th at Aldersgate Family Methodist Church with 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. calling hours preceding service. Internment will take place at Marlboro Cemetery in Marlboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in memory of the Shoemaker family to Aldersgate Family Methodist Church, 11394 Edison St NE, Alliance, OH 44601, or to The Alliance Senior Center, 602 W Vine St., Alliance, OH 44601.