To Doc's family: Doc Shoemaker was my teacher at Towson, a mentor, advisor, and dear friend. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I was one of the lucky few to travel to Ecuador with him in the 1970s and locate and identify the fossils there. It was an amazing experience and I thank him so much for that. He helped steer me in my Biology and Botany career and instilled a love of plants and the natural world. What a wonderful legacy he has left for so many of his students. With heartfelt gratitude for teaching me his love of learning and setting such a wonderful example for life--Fran (Murphy) Scher

To Andy & David , 
Your father was a dear friend from our years at George Rogers Clark High School until his death. I will miss my good friend. You both had great parents.
Sincerely, Tom McKibben

I was a good friend of David's a very long time ago.  Although the memories are getting harder to recall, I do remember that both of David's parents were extremely warm and kind people.  

My sincerest condolences,
Tiffany Husser (Ogden)

Andy and David, Time has passed too quickly, but after viewing your photos, it seems like only yesterday we "all" were growing up on Hollen Rd.  Your dad and mom were our first real friends after moving in and Bill and I have wonderful memories of our get togethers, and you, Blaine and Tiffany playing in the dirt.  A lot has changed since then but you, Bob and Elsie are great friends that we will never forget.

Bill & Kathy Ogden

To Bob's family. I was a GRC high school friend long ago and we were in band together, as well as stage productions. And I think he was one of the early go-to guys in audio visual. Probably was into recent computer and electronics of today. My sincere condolences for your loss.
Marcia Tolchinsky Saltzman

Bob: Loving, brilliant, kind, funny, a true friend.  My world was so much brighter with him in it.  I'll miss him so very much. 

We met Mr. Bob and his son Andy a few times through their son/brother David (who we are lucky to call our friend).  It is clear that you all are cut from the same cloth.  You are all such decent, honest and fine human beings which is such a testament to Mr. Bob and his wife Elsie and the way that they lived their lives.  Thank you for being such a positive influence in this world and raising such wonderful sons who follow your path of pure decency, sense of humor, and who truly enhance our world.

I'm afraid that today's snow will keep us from venturing out to attend the viewing this afternoon as we'd planned.  We wanted to offer our condolences in person, especially to our dear neighbor Eileen.  Bob was a fine person and we will miss seeing him on Hollen Rd. and at the BSO.
Barbara Dent and Bob Whitby

Dear Andrew and David,

Your father was one of the greatest teachers that I ever had.  I loved his sense of humor,  his enthusiasm and his ability to make biology class and everything else come to life!!  I have so many wonderful memories of him, your mom and the both of you on the Arizona trip.  It was a very special time in my life that I think of often, even after 30 years, (David spend a lot of time on my lap in the van as I recall).
My sympathies to both of you.  He will always remain in the hearts of all of the students he had at Towson.

Thoughts and Prayers with you,
Patrice Scully-Murray   TU Class of 1982

I am truly sorry to hear about your dad. I have so many fond memories when you all lived across the street. David, I have to confess I didn't recognize you when I saw you today, it took me awhile to add it all together. Take care,
Paula Sykes

David and Andy,

Your dad was admired and beloved by his colleagues and students. Many have written comments on my Facebook post of his obituary.  He will be particularly be missed by each of the members of the Tuesday coffee klatch.

David, Henry and I are so sorry for your loss.  We are sending you and Ike lots of love and hugs.  
We love you,

To my always goofy and smiling Uncle Bob- you will be missed!
Love, Neice Cris and the Williamsburg Shoemakers.

David - Hugs to you.....you will carry your father in your heart and memories. Words cannot express my sadness for you.  
Love,
Cindy Keefer

We are the family that bought Bob's house in 2010.  We didn't come in with the highest bid, but with a small daughter (and another one on the way at the time), Bob wanted to make sure that his home went to a growing family who would cherish it for years to come.  It is because of Bob's big heart that we were able to buy his home and start making our own memories there.

Bob was a good man and a good colleague.  I enjoyed working with him at TU.  My deepest sympathies.

Dear Andrew and David:  I was so saddened to receive the news of the passing of your Dad.  He, your mother and I all taught in the Biology Department at Towson for many years.  I always enjoyed your parents and 
would meet them from time to time at places other than Towson...sometimes at the symphony.  About a year ago, my husband and I were flying home from Florida and realized that your Dad was sitting in the seat behind us and was not feeling well.  The stewardess arranged to have an emergency service pick him up as soon as we landed and take him to the hospital.  We visited him there a few days later and were relieved to find that he was looking good and feeling better.  He was a delightful man and we know you will have many wonderful memories to enjoy as the years go by.  
 Best regards, Caryl Peterson

Andrew and David,
May knowing you're 
in the hearts and thoughts of others 
help you and yours
through this time of sorrow.
Jacqueline Thompson
Towson University
biology Department

OBITUARY

Robert E. Shoemaker Ph.D.

21 February, 1939 – 31 December, 2014

Lemmon Funeral Home of Dulaney Valley Inc.

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