Keith Eldon Shoemaker, 81, of Nokomis, died on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020, at 9:50 a.m. at his home.
Private family services will be held Sunday, Nov. 22, at the First Baptist Church in Nokomis with Dr. Ryan D. Follis officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date. Sutton Funeral Home in Nokomis is assisting the family.
Mr. Shoemaker was born Dec. 11, 1938, in Hillsboro, to James Robert and Juanita (Smith) Shoemaker. He married Judith Ann Wright on May 18, 1963, in Nokomis, and she survives.
He served his country in the U.S. Army, where he was a rifle and pistol marksman and sharpshooter. He participated in Operation Big Lift in Germany for two months.
During his career, Mr. Shoemaker worked as a machine operator at Caterpillar Inc.
He was a member of the Nokomis Sportsmen’s Club, and owned and operated Shoemakers Shooters Supply. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, mushroom hunting, trap shooting, aspirin shooting competitions, squirrel hunting, gun collecting and ammunition reloading.
Mr. Shoemaker loved playing poker with his friends and grandsons; teaching kids about hunting, fishing, shooting and gun safety; gardening, wine and beer making, and playing washers and pool. He also loved watching wrestling with his grandsons.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Jodi (Jean) Applegate and Keri Shoemaker, both of Nokomis; honorary son, Steve Cachera; grandchildren, Colby James Applegate and Brenden Keith Applegate; honorary grandchildren, Becca and Lizzy Hill; siblings, James Shoemaker, Barbara Pearson and Alwilta Pearson; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Shoemaker was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Charles Shoemaker and Jerome Shoemaker; and sister, Beverly Leigh.
Memorials may be directed to the Montgomery County Cancer Association, 19 Circle Drive, Litchfield, IL 62056 or First Baptist Church, 211 East South Street, Nokomis, IL 62075.
Online condolences to the family may be left at www.suttonmemorialhome.com.
