David E. Shoemaker, 96, passed from this life Friday, February 13, 2026, surrounded by his family, following a short illness. He was born on January 7, 1930, to Robert Shoemaker and Beulah (Desenberg) Shoemaker in Milton Township, Ashland, Ohio.
Dave was raised on the Shoemaker farm by his mother and stepfather, William Hayes Shoemaker. Life on the farm in the 1930's was not easy, and Dave worked as a young boy doing a man’s work, driving a Farmall H tractor in the field while barely reaching the clutch and brake pedals. He shelled corn and milked cows in freezing weather. While still young, he left the farm and school to marry Elaine Finley. Together they raised three children. He worked two jobs for many years to provide the best life for his family. He and Elaine were married 63 years before her passing in 2009. Together they spent every weekend for many years on Lake Erie fishing and catching walleye on their boat (The Five Shoes). He had many fond memories of time spent with his lake friends and family. Dave loved a good meal, ordering his steak burned beyond recognition! After his retirement from Coburn Inc., he and Elaine spent 12 winters in Hawaii with his grandson Tom and family. Later in life, he spent time back on the original Shoemaker farm to assist his son Dave II. Together they repaired the old bank barn and built a new barn for the horses. He enjoyed planting crops and baling hay in a more relaxing environment. Dave celebrated his 90th birthday enjoying a dinner in Las Vegas with 32 family members from all over the country attending in his honor.
David is survived by his children, Sharon (Rich) Roose, Marilyn Topper, and David II (Judy) Shoemaker; Grandchildren, Tom (Kelly) Zimmerman, Todd (Lisa) Zimmerman, Richelle (Scott) Deever, Linda (John) Groscurth, Susie (Burling) Scelson, Jon (Monja) Shoemaker and Kristin (Ryan) Dietz; 15 great-grandchildren and several great-great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his parents; his brothers, Oscar, Edward and William Shoemaker; brothers-in-law, William Finley, George Finley, and Dave Finley; Son-in-law, Neil Topper; and grandson, Donovan Estill.
Services will be held Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Harter Family Funeral Home, 308 Claremont Avenue, conducted by Reverend Donald Earlenbaugh. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow in Ashland County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice, 112 Harcourt Rd #3, Mt Vernon, OH 43050.
Harter Family Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of David E. Shoemaker.
