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William S. Shoemaker

  • October 24, 1924 - December 16, 2011
  • Waynesboro, Pennsylvania
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William Shoemaker

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Memories & Candles

“Lea, Bill, Ruth, and Robert, I am so very sorry for your loss. This time is never easy, but all those loving memories help those of us left behind. ...Read More » ”
1 of 13 | Posted by: Sharon Dail Marshall - VA

“Grandfather, I decided yesterday, when we came to see you, that there will always be some sort of flower along with a flag on your resting place....Read More » ”
2 of 13 | Posted by: Brittany - Hancock, MD

“Well Dad its Christmas Eve. Christmas was always a special time for you. You always made sure your family had a great holiday. Tonight you would have...Read More » ”
3 of 13 | Posted by: Bill Shoemaker - Hanover, PA

“Dear Lea, My deepest sympathies on the loss of your beloved Bill. You were the most devoted wife and caregiver anyone could hope to have. Peace to...Read More » ”
4 of 13 | Posted by: Ron Royster - Stafford, VA

“grandfather i love u and i always will. i will miss u, and ill never forget you. ”
5 of 13 | Posted by: tara shoemaker - hancock, MD

“We came to visit tonight. I saw the smirk on your face,you must be thinking of a good one. The grand and great grand kids played on the floor as...Read More » ”
6 of 13 | Posted by: Robert Shoemaker - Hancock, MD

“Dearest Lea,Bill,Ruth and Robert--So sorry to hear about Mr. Bill, he was as you know a LARGE part of my childhood and always at this time of the...Read More » ”
7 of 13 | Posted by: Froncy M. Dail II - Wilmington, NC

“Lea I am sorry for your loss yet i am happy for there is no more hurt for the loved one we lost he is at rest now thank the lord ...Read More » ”
8 of 13 | Posted by: Deb Socks - Waynesboro, PA

“Dear Grandpa, I will love you forever, miss you always, and forget you never. You are in a better place now; you are free, at peace. <3 Ashley ”
9 of 13 | Posted by: Ashley - Denver, CO

“Bob,Gere,Brittany,Tara and Michelle and families.So sorry for your loss. Your families are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. ”
10 of 13 | Posted by: Cristie Hornbaker - Clear Spring, MD

“Aunt Lea - You, Ruth, Robert & Billie are all in my thoughts and prayers. Wish you all comfort during this time. Love, Tina and family ”
11 of 13 | Posted by: Tina (Brown) Bickford - MI

“Dear Lea, My deepest sympathy to you at the time. Bill is no longer suffering, for this we are thankful. GOD has taken him home. Sincerely, Betty ”
12 of 13 | Posted by: Betty L Wolfe - Waynesboro, PA

“Ruth and family. I am so sorry for the loss of your loved one. I know how very hard it is to lose someone, especially at this time of year. I will...Read More » ”
13 of 13 | Posted by: Donna Freeman - Waynesboro, PA


Mr. William S. Shoemaker, 87, a resident of Quincy Village and formerly of 220 Dickinson Ave., Waynesboro, died at 11:06 P.M., Friday, December 16, 2011, in the nursing home. He had been in failing health for the past several years and critically ill for the past two days. Born October 24, 1924 in Waynesboro, he was the son of the late William W. and Hazel B. (Sheeley) Shoemaker. He was a lifelong resident of the Waynesboro area. He graduated from Waynesboro High School with the class of 1943 and he later graduated from plumbing trade school. Mr. Shoemaker served with the United States Army during World War II, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and was a Purple Heart Recipient with one Oak Leaf Cluster. He and his wife of over 65 years, Leatrice J. (Brown) Shoemaker, were married on April 7, 1946 in the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren. They have lived at the Dickinson Ave. address since the marriage. Mr. Shoemaker entered the nursing home on April 24, 2009. In his early life, Mr. Shoemaker was a plumber and mechanic for H.E. Hoover and later Stover and Son, both of Waynesboro. From 1968 until his retirement in 1986, he worked for Harrisburg Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union 520. He was a former member of the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren and attended services at the Waynesboro Bible Church. He was a member of the Owl's Club, Joe Stickell American Legion Post #15, William Max McLaughlin V.F.W. Post #695, and Eagles Club, Inc., all of Waynesboro. He was a life member of A.T.H.& L. Fire Hall, Waynesboro, Cumberland Valley Fireman's Association, and Local Union 520. Mr. Shoemaker was an avid hunter and fisherman, who enjoyed wood working, Lionel Trains, his dogs, and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, William W. Shoemaker and his wife Sylvia of Hanover, PA, Ruth A. McKee of Waynesboro, and Robert L. Shoemaker and his wife Gere of Hancock, MD; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a special niece, Dr. Gillian Newberry of Spartanburg, SC; and a number of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Shoemaker and Kathryn Newberry. Services will be held at 3:00 P.M., Thursday, December 22, 2011, in Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, 50 S. Broad St., Waynesboro, with Chaplain Guy Baer, officiating. Burial will follow in Green Hill Cemetery, Waynesboro. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the honor guard of Charles Nitterhouse V.F.W. Post #1599, Chambersburg. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M., Wednesday evening, in the funeral home. The family requests the omission of flowers. Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com