Jack R. Shoemaker, 74, died at 8:10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 4, 2016, at his daughter’s residence in Rochester. He was born on Nov. 21, 1941, and named Jackie Ray Shoemaker in Indianapolis. His parents were Russell and Nancy (Bowen) Shoemaker. He graduated from Akron High School in 1963 and lived his entire life in Akron.

He married Karen Montague on Jan. 16, 1971, and then divorced 27 years later.  He was a police officer for the town of Akron before being employed by Sealed Power, Rochester, and then transferred to the Sealed Power Plant, Richmond, where he retired.  He also had worked for Dana from Rochester and Richmond. His special interests were farming, tinkering and repairing things and he enjoyed going to high school class reunions. His grandchildren were a huge part of his life.

Surviving Jack is his daughter: Anna (Greg) Baillieul, Rochester; his son: Rick L. (Lisa Miller) Shoemaker, Akron; two brothers: Robert “Bob” (Alice) Shoemaker, Decatur; Jerry (Diana) Shoemaker, Akron; two sisters: Beulah Connor, Rochester; Kathline “Kate” (Smith) Racer, Rochester; and eight grandchildren: Aubrey; Alexis; and Avery Gates; and Makaila Warner; and Kaitlin; Safe; Tatum; and Greyson Shoemaker. He was preceded in death by his parents; and his son: Russell.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, at the Earl-Love Funeral Home, Akron. Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 8, at the funeral home with Pastor Wayne Balmer officiating.  Burial will be in the Akron IOOF Cemetery, Akron.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Akron Las Donas Marcus Hackworth and Scott Sechrist Memorial Scholarship Fund (through the Northern Indiana Community Foundation in Fulton County), P.O. Box 807, 715 Main Street, Rochester, IN 46975. Envelopes will also be available at the funeral home.

The staff of Earl-Love Funeral Home considers it a privilege and a honor to care for the family and friends of Jack Shoemaker.