Thomas E. Shoemaker

Thomas (Tom) E. Shoemaker (64) of Sherando, Virginia passed away peacefully at his home on November 24, 2022.

He was born in Wilmington, Ohio on March 12, 1958 to parents, Thomas E. Shoemaker and Carol Jean (Willey) Durham.

Tom graduated from Junction City High School, Junction City, KS in 1976 and then attended Kansas State University for several years.

Following high school, Tom entered into the US Navy where he was a Machinist Mate on both the U.S.S. America as well as the Emory S. Land.  Tom retired from the US Navy in 1990.

Tom enjoyed surf fishing, bird watching, scuba diving, restoring antiques, music, the outdoors, fast cars, gardening, animals and spending time with family and friends.  Their home was always full of their found treasures and the many four-legged friends which made their home complete.

A volunteer and servant at heart, Tom was involved with The Boy Scouts of America where he received his Eagle Scout and the God and Country Awards. He was a member of Co. 9 and a Lifetime Member of Co. 19 Wilson Volunteer Fire Company where he was a certified EMT and First Responder and was a recipient of the President’s Award.

Tom was a devoted Lifetime Member of the DeMolay where he was an Advisor and achieved the Degree of Chevalier. He was a mentor to many young men and was a friend and gave value to everyone he met.  He’d give the spare tire out of his vehicle if you needed one!

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Benie of 30 years, Mother, Carol Durham (Wesley), Step Mother, Kyong Cha Kim, sisters, Teresa Arnold, Tracy Lynn Garner (Randy), Tammy(Sam) Sheaffer (Mary Deppish) and Darlene Ross (Dale), Brother in law, Scott Runnells (Mary) and Father in law, Roland Runnells and many beloved nieces, nephews and many friends.

Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas E. Shoemaker and Mother in law Patricia Runnells.

If you knew him, Tom’s life was a true example of what the DeMolay portrays which is; “To Inspire young men to be better citizens, better friends and better men”.

Our heartfelt thanks to the many medical professionals that gave him such great care and concern over the years.  Special thanks to his Core Medical Team at the McGuire VA Hospital in Richmond and the Hospice of the Shenandoah for their kindness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Richmond Fisher House at richmondfisherhouse.org or Wilson Volunteer Fire Company, PO Box 157, Lyndhurst, VA 22952.

The family will receive friends at the Charlton and Groome Funeral Home, 619 Lifecore Drive, Fishersville from 2 – 4 pm, Wednesday, November 30, 2022 and where Navy Military Honors will be rendered at 2:15 pm.

Share memories and condolences at www.charltonandgroomefuneralhome.com

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