Robert Milton Shoemaker

1922-2015

Retired Colonel Robert M. Shoemaker, US Air Force, of Destin, FL passed away on October 30 after an extended illness. He was 93.

Born in Washington DC into a military family, he lived there and in various states, Panama and Hawaii before entering the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1941. He graduated on D-Day, June 6, 1944, commissioned a 2nd Lt. pilot, US Army Air Corps. During WW II he flew B-17 and B-29 aircraft. He was a graduate of the Air Command and Staff School, Air War College and held a Masters Degree in International Relations from George Washington University.

His military career took him to many places both home and abroad, including Wiesbaden, Germany and Paris, France. His final duty assignment was command of the Air Force ROTC unit at FSU from 1965-1968. While at FSU he was a member of Arnold Air Society, Pershing Rifles, Order of Omega and scholastic honorary, Omicron Delta Kappa. Upon retirement he served as Director of Career Planning and Placement at Florida State and is credited with helping shape the futures of many young undergraduates.

In 1966 he, with several other faculty and student members of his fraternity, founded a chapter of the international social fraternity of Phi Gamma Delta at FSU, serving as advisor and much more to that group until shortly before his death. His fellow Fijis were an integral part of his life.

Bob was a member of the Tallahassee Rotary Club since 1966 and was a Paul Harris Fellow and the recipient of the outstanding member award- The Frederick Clifton Moor award in 1987.

Throughout his adult life Bob could truly be characterized as the epitome of an Officer and a Gentleman. He had incredible personal integrity and kindness and to know him was to love him. Whether in his professional or personal life, he treated everyone with fairness and respect while making them feel his deep concern for their well being. You always felt better after a conversation with The Colonel.

He loved being with family, and the young Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren just flocked to him and cherished his love and attention. He and Maureen traveled frequently to visit their children who were scattered around the US. They also loved going on cruises and enjoyed many ship adventures. For the last 6 years they enjoyed living and playing in beautiful Destin, FL. He will be sadly missed by many but always remembered as One Of A Kind.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond Leroy and Edith Shoemaker, loving wife Elisabeth (“Rusty”), brother Raymond (Roy), and sister Barbara Shoemaker

He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Maureen, daughter Barbara Fonte, son Robert (Dietra) Shoemaker, step children Michael (Kinda)Wilson, Kathleen (Scott) Kelly, Kevin (fiancée Rebecca) Wilson, and Eileen (Barry) Begenyi. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 7th at 1:00pm at Christ Our Redeemer Catholic Church, 1028 White Point Rd, Niceville, FL. There will be a reception from 3:00 to 5:00 pm at the Golf Club in Kelly Plantation, 307 Kelly Plantation Drive, Destin, FL.

Memorial contributions in Bob’s name may be made to Emerald Coast Hospice, 200 Grand Blvd, Suite 205A, Miramar Beach, FL 32550 or to Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation, PO Box 4599, Lexington, KY 40544-4599. www.PhiGam.org/MakeAGift