Thomas Wayne Shoemaker

Thomas Wayne Shoemaker Sr., son of the late Harold & Anna (Collins) Shoemaker, was born on September 6, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois and departed this life on July 26, 2021 in Columbia, Missouri. At the time of his passing, he was eighty-one years, ten months and twenty days. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Charles Shoemaker; one son-in-law, Jerry Burns; and his best friend & four-legged companion, Beau. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Shoemaker; five children, Janet and husband Mark Steele, Karen Killebrew, Timothy Shoemaker and partner Gina West, Thomas Shoemaker Jr., and Wellington and wife Joan McFarland; nine grandchildren, Robert Steele and wife Kathy, Heather Ballard and husband Matt, Brandon Shoemaker and partner Sara Renee McCurley, Brittany Shoemaker and friend Kelly Kaiser, T.J. Shoemaker, Morgan Shoemaker and partner Tyler Woodland, Evander McFarland, Haley Hulett and Fiancé Jayde Linton, Mollie Shoemaker and partner Gavin Wurth; fourteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and son-in-law, Bill Killebrew. He also leaves behind other relatives and many friends who will all truly miss him. Thomas was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. While in high school, he met Joyce Kelley and later on June 30, 1958 they were united in marriage. Together they shared sixty-three years of marriage and raised five children. While in high school, Thomas worked for Walgreens as a soda jerk. Shortly after graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he proudly served three terms. After his honorable discharge from the service, he returned home to Chicago and continue his career with Walgreens; through hard work and dedication he worked through the ranks earning the position of Vice President. In 1982, Tom retired from Walgreens and the family moved to Camdenton, Missouri where they purchased and operated Digger O’ Dells Resort until 1997. Tom and Joyce loved to travel to and take cruises all over the world. Their favorite place to visit was Jamaica, where they would take several family vacations. Tom and Joyce were very strong in their faith and active in Heartland Worship Center where Tom served on the Knights 21st Century and Full Gospel Businessman’s. Tom and Joyce would help anyone in need, taking in and caring for several people in the church and community over the years. Tom was an avid sports enthusiast, coaching baseball for fifty years and never missing any of his children’s or grandchildren’s games. He was also an avid Chicago Cubs fan; passing his love for the Cubs down to his children. He also loved to go to the rodeo and watch bull riding; traveling to various places across the country to attend national bull riding events. He was a loving and a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and his accomplishments and will treasure the memories he created for his family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, July 30, 2021 at Heartland Worship Center. Visitation will take place at the church prior to the funeral from 12:00-2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Allee Memorial Gardens, Camdenton, Missouri. Memorial donations may be made to Heartland Worship Center and left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be made at www.alleeholmanhowe.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton, Missouri.