John Anthony Shoemaker

Born on August 17, 1944, in Little Rock, Arkansas, Tony graduated from Fairmont High School, Kettering, Ohio, in 1962. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland in 1991 and a master’s degree from the University of Phoenix in 2001. But perhaps his most defining moment came in December 1964, when he married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Cheryl Lynne Schalnat. Together, they built a life rooted in love, adventure, and unwavering devotion to family.

Tony was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather—known affectionately as “Opa” to his grandchildren. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Cheryl, and their children: Kimberly Lundgren (Erik) of Carefree, Arizona; Christopher Shoemaker of Las Vegas, Nevada; and Keven Shoemaker (Misty) of Santa Rosa, California.

He was a proud grandfather, forever “Opa” to Andrew Von Feldt (Brianna), Alexia Rambo (James), Peri Bercun, Melissa Bercun, Emily Jarrett (Chris), Carl West, Sophie Shoemaker, Adam Shoemaker, Katie Lundgren and Evan Lundgren and a cherished great-grandfather to Hayden, Maclan, Delilah and Nicholas.

Tony is also fondly remembered by his sister, Mary Ann Brane (Keith); his brother-in-law, Ronald Schalnat (Jane Ann); and by a wide circle of extended family and lifelong friends whose lives he touched with warmth, generosity, and a steady sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Anna Shoemaker of Las Vegas.

In 1966, Tony answered a higher calling and joined the U.S. Army. He trained at Army Flight School in Fort Rucker, Alabama, where he earned his Army Aviator Wings—marking the beginning of a remarkable 35-year military career. His first assignment took him to Vietnam, where he flew helicopter gunships in combat, meeting danger with quiet courage and calm precision.

Tony’s career took him around the world—from Korea to Germany to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Kuwait, and Iraq during both Gulf War Operations, to humanitarian and peacekeeping missions in Somalia. He was not only a highly skilled pilot but also a respected instructor and mentor, qualified to teach in six different aircraft, including Gulfstream jets. Over the decades, he logged more than 10,000 flight hours in the skies he loved.

In recognition of his bravery and excellence, Tony received numerous honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross (five times), the Air Medal (21 times), the Bronze Star, and the Master Army Aviator Wings. He retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 5—the highest and most distinguished role a warrant officer can achieve.

As a proud Army family, Tony, Cheryl, Kim, Chris, and Keven moved 47 times and called many places home—Ohio, Texas, Michigan, Colorado, California, Georgia, Alabama, Iran, Hawaii, Germany, Maryland, and finally Nevada—creating memories and lasting bonds in each. With every move came new adventures, and through it all, their strength as a family only grew deeper.

After retiring from the Army, Tony continued his distinguished career in aviation, serving as Manager of Aviation Services for the Department of Energy at the Nevada Test Site. He later took on the role of Aviation Program Manager for the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Program (drones) at the University of South Dakota, further sharing his expertise in the field he loved.

Beyond his service, Tony embraced life with energy and curiosity. He was an avid traveler, a loyal Ohio State Buckeyes fan (Go Buckeyes!), and a devoted supporter of the Las Vegas Golden Knights.

Tony was a soldier, a mentor, a hero—but to his family, he was so much more. He was their foundation, their compass, their Opa. His legacy of service, love, and strength will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A visitation for John will be held on Thursday June 19, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Palm Mortuary - Northwest, 6701 North Jones Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89131. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday June 20, 2025 at 10:00am with a Full Military Honors burial to follow at 11:00am at Palm Northwest Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

The Army Aviation Heritage Foundation and Flying Museum

“Let us not mourn that such a man died, but rejoice that he ever lived.”

—General George S. Patton Jr.