Richard Shoemaker served as a Riley Township trustees for 12 years
Richard "Dick" Wayne Shoemaker, 95, died Dec. 15, 2020, at the Heritage in Findlay. Dick was born May 18, 1925, in Pandora to the late George and Naomi (Crawford) Shoemaker. On Sept. 17, 1949, he married Ruth Burkholder Shoemaker who survives.
Dick graduated from Pandora High School and served in the United States Army during World War II. He was a life-long farmer and a member of the Grace Mennonite Church in Pandora. Dick was a Riley Township Trustee for 12 years and a member of the Defiance Auto Club. He had a passion for anything that had wheels and a motor including his own antique cars and tractors.
Survivors include his wife, Ruth Shoemaker of Pandora: two children, Karla (Dave) Westall of Lima, James (Sharon) Shoemaker of Bluffton; one granddaughter, Kendra (Matt) Lugibihl; six step grandchildren, Aaron (Melody) Schmutz, Jessica Robinson, Jonica Schmutz, Heidi (Bryan) Waldock, Drew (Michelle) Westall, Shauna (Derek) Welch; three great-grandchildren; nine step great-grandchildren; a sister, Marilyn Beckler of Bluffton and many nieces and nephews.
Dick was preceded in death by a son, Kent Shoemaker; an infant daughter; a brother, Ralph Shoemaker and two sisters, Ruth Williams and Esther Luginbuhl.
Private services will be held. Burial will be in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Pandora.
Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services, Bluffton, is handling the arrangements.
Stories Posted This Week
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
Tuesday, August 12, 2025
Monday, August 11, 2025
- Coletta Irene Mullenhour worked at M&R Plumbing and Heating
- New Findlay Community Orchestra invites string players
- Children's tryouts for ONU Holiday Spectacular on Sept. 7
- 2025 History Day showcases a love of Bluffton, fascination with trains
- Schumacher Homestead to be featured on WBGU travel program
- More about Bluffton and railroads
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Saturday, August 9, 2025
- Reminder of 1899 Depot move and refurbishment by Bluffton Sportsmen's Club
- JAMPD to retain Johnny Appleseed identity following poll
- Board of Elections lists November 2025 candidates for school board, township trustees and village council
- Bluffton chamber to host AI Lunch & Learn with Courtnee R. Morris
- Weekend Doctor: Family Estrangement on the Rise