Roy Robert Shoemaker

Roy Robert “Bob” Shoemaker went home to be with his Lord on January 27, 2012 at Park Manor Rehabilitation Center in Walla Walla surrounded by family & friends.

Bob was born to Chuck & Sylvia Shoemaker on November 8, 1937 in Buena, California. He was raised in Washington & attended school up to 11th grade. He then served 2 years in the military. When he returned home, he met Shirley Wilson and they married in 1959 and had one daughter, Charlene K. Shoemaker in 1960. Later they divorced and he traveled to Missouri & California where he met Joan. They married & had a daughter, Joely Ann Shoemaker. They later divorced & Bob moved back to Washington to his home town, Walla Walla.

Bob held various jobs throughout his life, working hay, cooking at the Pollyanna Café with his father-in-law & mentor, Bud Wilson. Those who became friends with Bob knew he was a man of stature, who carried himself with pride and showed the utmost respect to all who shared in his life always ready to lend a hand, mend a fence, digging a hole or planting flowers. All you had to do was ask Bob. He had zest for life whether it be work, cooking a good steak or swinging a pretty lady on the dance floor.

Bob lived for his family & friends. His passions in life were cooking, singing, dancing, watching old movies and fishing in his good-fitting pair of boots. His smile & laughter filled a room & warmed your heart. His pride was his grandsons, Kevin & Mike. His heart was held by his great grandson, Riley & his great granddaughter, Mackenzie. Bob’s best times were spent with his great grandkids whether it was getting barrettes put in his hair by Mackenzie or fishing with Riley. He always had a smile on his face. After a day of fun, he would sneak out back & sit on the porch, tip his hat down and nap. Bob was the last of his generation.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Chuck Shoemaker, Sylvia Shoemaker Hobson, stepdad, Kenneth Hobson; sisters, Alice Lytle, Martha Black, Pat Granger, Barbara Hartwell; brothers, Lloyd Shoemaker, Wesley Shoemaker & Ralph Shoemaker. Bob is survived by his daughters; grandsons; great grandkids; numerous nieces & nephews; stepbrothers, Keith Hobson, Fred Shoemaker & Chuck Shoemaker.

Viewing & visitation will be held Thursday, February 9, 2012 from 1:00 PM until 6:00 PM at the Herring Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, February 10, 2012 at 1:30 PM at the Chapel of the Herring Funeral Home. Bob will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Educational Fund for Bob’s great grandkids.

We the family of Bob Shoemaker would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff at Park Manor & Walla Walla Community Hospice.