William 'Bill' Carey Shoemaker, Jr. 87, of State College, died Wednesday, August 19, 2009, at Centre Crest Nursing Center in Bellefonte.
Bill was born January 25, 1922 in State College, a son of the late William C. Shoemaker Sr. and Charity L. Steele Shoemaker.
In June of 1968, he married Joyce Spigelmyer who preceded him in death in July of 1986. On August 18, 1990, he married Elaine Austin-Shoemaker who survives in State College. In addition to his wife he is survived by her children, Lisa Bednarchik and her husband Paul, of State College, Mark Person and his wife Deborah, of San Antonio NM, and Russel Person and his wife Roxanne Barzona, of Petersburg; and her three grandchildren Rob Rice of Raleigh, NC, Tim Rice of Moron Air Force Base, Spain, and Lucia Person of Petersburg.
A 1939 graduate of State College Area High School, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Franklin and Marshall College in 1967.
Although Bill had a disdain for war, he joined the Army during World War II, with the hope that he could be a part of attaining world peace. He served in Company E 39th Infantry from July 31, 1940 until September 25, 1945; earning the rank of Tec. 5. He served in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He earned a Good Conduct Medal, an American Service Medal, and a European African Middle Eastern Service medal with 4 bronze stars. He also earned the SS Carbine Badge in 1942, Combat Infantry Badge in 1945, and an Expert Rifle Badge in 1942.
Mr. Shoemaker worked as a public school teacher for several years, and spent many years as a finish carpenter, and was always proud of the fact that he worked on the State College Area Junior High School.
He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County, the American Legion and the Free and Accepted Masons all of State College.
Bill loved being a part of the State College area and was extremely proud of his State College heritage. He loved spending time at the Coffee Shop in the Autoport and meeting his acquaintances at the Hills Plaza McDonalds for extended breakfasts and conversation. He loved telling jokes and could often be seen pulling the latest one from his shirt pocket to share with those who would listen. Of all the things he enjoyed, his true passion was world peace.
A memorial service is being planned for a later date to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Unitarian Universalist Fellowship 780 Waupelani Extension, State College, PA 16801
A guest book can be signed or condolences sent to the family at www.heintzelmanfuneralhome.com