- Date Of Birth: July 14, 1928
- Date Of Death: August 8, 2022
- State: Indiana
Robert Dale Shoemaker, 94, of Bargersville, Indiana, went to his eternal home on August 8, 2022. Bob was born July 14, 1928 in Worthington, Indiana to Luther and Minnie (Horton) Shoemaker. During his childhood, he and his family moved frequently as his father was a foreman building bridges across the south.
Bob joined the Marines in 1946 where he served as a member of the Marine Air Detachment as an aircraft mechanic. His time of service was during World War II and the Korean War. After his time in the service Bob went to work for J.D. Adams, also known as Westinghouse Air Brake. It was there he supervised the making of heavy equipment and held the position of Chief Engineer when he retired in 1983.
Bob’s hobbies during his retirement included a small engine repair business, gardening, hunting, fishing, as well as spending time with his family and friends. Bob was a talented woodworker and handcrafted dulcimers. Although he did not play any musical instruments, he enjoyed making dulcimers and made one for each of his children and grandchildren. He loved talking about the “good old days” and even in his last few months he could share about many cherished moments throughout his life. Bob was extremely proud of his two grandsons, Clay and Sam.
Bob was an active member of the Tuxedo Park Baptist Church in Indianapolis until he moved to Bargersville in 1962. He was devoted to his relationship with Jesus and was one of the founding members of the New Beginnings Community Church in Waverly, Indiana where he was a member until his passing.
Bob was a member of the Englewood Masonic Lodge #715 for 70 years.
Bob will be fondly remembered by his devoted wife of 68 years, Syble (Jones) Shoemaker; three children, A. Dale Shoemaker of Greenwood, IN, Marsha Shoemaker of Indianapolis, IN, and Barry (Cindy) Shoemaker of Martinsville, IN; two grandchildren, Clayton Shoemaker of Indianapolis, IN and Samuel Shoemaker of Martinsville, IN; sisters-in-law, Cherie Shoemaker, Helen Shoemaker, and Pat Shoemaker; brother-in-law, Richard Reed, and his extended family and friends. In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Letha Shoemaker, brothers, Glenn Shoemaker and Albert Shoemaker, and sister, Verona Reed.
