Don M. Shoemaker age 87, slipped peacefully away in the night on April 8, 2019 at home. He was born on April 19, 1931 in Kewanee, Illinois, as the middle son of Harley C and Ruth (Garden) Shoemaker and grew up on a farm in Wyoming, Illinois. Don and Yvonne, his wife of 66 years, met in 2nd grade and married on June 22, 1952. They began their married life in Spokane, Washington where Don served as a B-36 mechanic in the U.S. Air Force. Next they moved to Ventura, California where their children Holly and Randy were born. In 1967 business took them back to the Midwest and Lincoln, Nebraska.
Don was an owner/operator of Shoemaker’s Truck Stop for 65 years and the Cobbler Inn Motel for 34 years. He also farmed on and off throughout his life. While in Spokane Don purchased his first aircraft, in pieces, with Yvonne’s $300 savings account! He became a licensed A&P and private pilot for 67 years. During his years of flying he was a President of the Midwest Navioneers, active in the national group and won numerous proficiency races. He was also a founding member of the local Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 569, A Young Eagles Volunteer and member of the National EAA organization. Don and Yvonne enjoyed many adventures with other flying friends and enthusiasts over the years.
He was a member and Deacon of First Plymouth Church, a Cub Scout Leader and a Yankee Hill School Board member. While his biggest passions in life were his family and flying, Don was also very happy on a tractor or tinkering in his hanger. An excellent handyman and builder, he also enjoyed a lively discussion about taxes or government and was very fond of a good nap. He will be greatly missed.
Don is survived by his wife Yvonne , daughter Holly (Jonathan) Dixon of Denton; son Randy (Anne) Shoemaker of Lincoln; granddaughters Danae Peterson, Brooke & Kimberly Shoemaker; great- granddaughter Matilda Peterson; brother Roger (Sue) Shoemaker of Lincoln; brother-in-law Norm Fluhrer of Mendocino, California; sister-in-law Nola Graves of Henry, Illinois and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Harley C and Ruth (Garden) Shoemaker, brother Harley G and sister-in-law Marion Shoemaker.
There will be a Celebration of Life gathering with light refreshments on Friday April 26th from 6-8pm at Roper and Sons South, 3950 Hohensee Dr. (S.W. corner of 40th & Yankee Hill)
In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to the Denton Historical Society (Building Fund), St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital, or First Plymouth United Church of Christ.
Private family graveside service.