John W. Shoemaker

John Woodrow Shoemaker, a native of Missoula, Montana, comfortably passed away in his sleep at the age of 96 at the Bee Hive Homes in Missoula on Sunday, Nov 10, 2013. John was born on May 9, 1917 the only child of William and Rose Mathis Shoemaker, both deaf and mute. He lived in a foster home in his youth and at the age of 16 left home and jumped a freight train and headed for the west coast. When he arrived in Tacoma, Washington he joined the Salvation Army church where he met his future wife, Margaret Ruth Barnett born, Nov 9, 1917. They were married August 17, 1936 in Tacoma. Later in life they were sealed for time and eternity in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Temple in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

John served in WW II with the 1st Battalion, 91st Division from 1943-1945 earning a Bronze Star Medal for bravery during combat in Italy. After returning home from the European theater, he enrolled in business courses through the G.I. Bill. He started his own Shoemaker Transfer and Storage business and later a successful wholesale bakery and restaurant supply in Missoula, serving all of western Montana. He sold the business and retired in 1979. John lived in several different homes in Missoula.

John was preceded in death by his beloved wife Margaret Ruth, on August 19, 1981 at the age of 63 and son William Barnett who died Dec 14,1997 at age 55, his half sister Helen Magstadt who helped raise him and three half brothers, Wallace and Henry Peery and Elmer Shoemaker. Later in life John met Helen Norgaard, a very special friend through a good neighbor. They were together for over 35 years. John wrote his autobiography and has his life history on DVD as a legacy for his children, grand children, family and friends.

John is survived by his daughter, Patricia Bates (Roy) Glendale AZ, son Roger Shoemaker (Trudy) Sonora, Texas, grand children Barbie Seifert (Michael) Seattle, WA, Bryan Bates, (Barbara) Chicago, Il Audrey and Brenda Matthews, Jeff Shoemaker of Missoula, 9 great grand children 2 great-great grand children, nieces, Ruth Birks (Dan), Lynne Summers (Charles) and Carol Maurer and nephews, Pete Peery and Ron Magstaadt as well as other relatives and friends.

A memorial service is planned for the summer of 2014.

Memorials may be sent to: Montana School for the Deaf and Blind, 3911 Central Avenue, Great Falls, MT 59405