Russell Gerald Shoemaker

Russell Gerald Shoemaker, 92, of Buchtel, passed away on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Chillicothe, surrounded by family and friends. He was born on July 6, 1932, in Scioto Township, Ross County, the son of the late Russell and Nettie (Doyle) Shoemaker. He was married for 72 years to Patricia (Walls) Shoemaker, who survives.

Gerald retired from the United States Air Force in August 1971 after nearly 21 years of service. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars, with assignments in Newfoundland, Japan and Thailand, and Youngstown, OH, Chandler, AZ, Columbus, OH, and Phoenix, AZ. After retirement, he worked for several companies selling industrial plumbing supplies and enjoyed a stint working for the US Census Bureau. He served several years on the Board of Education for Zane Trace Local School District. He enjoyed building a log home, renovating other properties as well as enjoying his time with family, in addition to countless days and hours camping and traveling. He and Pat traveled to all 50 states and were involved in the Good Sam Club for RV’ers. He was a leader in the Boy Scouts with troops in both Arizona and Ohio. Gerald was a member of The Village Church at Buchtel.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Geri Shoemaker and Nancy (Marty) Lewis; sons, Dave (Bev) Shoemaker, Tom Shoemaker, and Eric (Amber) Shoemaker; grandchildren, Jeremy Shoemaker, Shannon (Dominick Morgante) Shoemaker, Sean (Natalia) Shoemaker, David Reinhardt, Ed (Christina) Venrick, Joshua (Brandy Blevins) West, Brittany (Lucas) Shingleton, Courtiney (Chris) Boggs, Michael (Crystal) Lewis and Kelly (Eric) Dellafave. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Maizy Venrick, Noah, Olivia, Jacob, & Matthew Shoemaker, Ellie & Brooklyn West, Hadley & Benjamin Shingleton, Keighly Sherman, Robbie Shoemaker, Norah Shoemaker-Morgante, and Eian Dellafave. Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Roger (Carol) Walls, Robert (Jessie) Walls, and Hoyt Wheeland.

He was predeceased by his parents; granddaughter, Erin Elizabeth Shoemaker; brother, Paul Shoemaker; sister, Joan Wheeland; in-laws, Robert & Lucille Walls; and sisters-in-law, Sarah Walls and Sandra Thomas.

The family would like to especially thank the staff at the Chillicothe VA for their care, love and compassion over these last several months.

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, December 14, 2024, at The Village Church, 17890 N. Akron Ave, Nelsonville, with Pastor David Shoemaker officiating. Family and friends may visit from 10 am to 12 pm Saturday at the church. 

Arrangements are with Souers-Cardaras Funeral Home, 46 Fayette St, Nelsonville. Please sign his online guestbook at www.cardaras.com