Arthur G. Shoemaker

Arthur G. Shoemaker, 100, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 25, 2022 at York Hospital after a short period of declining health. Born October 29, 1921 in Armstrong County, PA, he was the son of Mervin and Myrtle Shoemaker. On September 9, 1940, he married Marie Bowersox and that faithful, devoted union lasted 76+ years until her death in February, 2017. They had eight children, 5 boys and 3 girls.

Art was a devoted husband and father who worked hard his entire life. Growing up, he had to leave school early to help with the family farm. In providing for his own family, he worked at a brick-making plant, kept a small family farm and a very large garden to feed all those faces. After the brick plant closed and their children had moved on, he and his wife moved to Fairmont, WV, where they’d accepted an offer to manage Mission Farms, an outreach of the WV Rescue Ministries. After many years of service there, they moved to Quarryville, PA to work in supportive roles at Black Rock Retreat until their eventual retirement in York, PA.

After his wife’s death, Art remained in York and lived independently until a rapid decline in health required his move to the Misericordia nursing facility in January, 2022. He was a favorite patient, both there and at the hospital, as he never complained and always had a smile on his face. He was a faithful follower and servant of Christ, and spent many hours in prayer for his friends and family. There was always joy in his heart, which he shared with all those around him.

Surviving are sons, Richard (Janet) Shoemaker of Port St. Lucie, FL; Martin Shoemaker of San Clemente, CA; Roger Shoemaker of Charlotte, NC; daughters, Janet Crissman of Clarion, PA; Jean Babyak of Clarion, PA; Ruth (John) Hartland of Cary, NC.; 14 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two step great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by two sons, Dr. Layton Shoemaker and Lynn Shoemaker; a special daughter-in-law Garie (Layton) Shoemaker; a grandson, Kaleb Shoemaker; 2 brothers and 4 sisters.

A private family service, Friday, April 1, 2022, presided by Pastor Don Wagner, is entrusted to the William E. Little Funeral Homes, 2150 Carlisle Road, York. Interment will take place at the Oakland Cemetery, Distant, PA. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at Church of the Open Door, 8 Carlisle Ct, York, PA on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Church of the Open Door. Online condolences may be shared with the family at KuhnerEquities.com

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