Richard R. Shoemaker

Preceded in death by parents, Ralph Shoemaker and Helen Shoemaker Fraley and his beloved brother, Robert J. Shoemaker. Also preceded in death by wife, Mary Shoemaker. Richard is survived by his devoted wife, Geri, who he loved to call “Geraldine”; son, Kenneth (Vicki) Shoemaker; sons, David and Michael Shoemaker; stepson, Casimir P. Wieszczek; stepdaughter, Melissa A. Wieszczek; grandchildren, Christina Shoemaker, Joshua McGhee, Casimir Wieszczek IV and Makenzie Wieszczek; along with many nieces and nephews.

Richard served his country during the Korean War and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War of the United States, Auxiliary No. 8794, Whitehall, OH, member of Fraternal Order of Eagles, Auxiliary 3261, Reynoldsburg, OH. Richard was retired from Philips Petroleum Company.

In his retirement years, he loved to travel and fishing in Oklahoma was one of his passions. He especially loved to fish with his buddy George and travel 90 miles an hour in George’s bass boat on Grand Lake in Tulsa, OK. Another passion was gambling in just about any casino! He and Geri gambled in just about every state they traveled to. He also had a great love of horses and enjoyed spending summer evenings at Scioto Downs. Richard looked forward to his Saturdays with stepson, Cas, watching sports and drinking Yuengling beer. He enjoyed being tormented by his sons, Michael and Kenneth when they would call in the middle of the night to leave the OSU fight song on his answering machine after a Buckeye win. Richard will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched. He was a great father, husband and friend.

Family will receive friends Friday, June 8, 2012 from 5-8 p.m. and again Saturday, June 9 from 9 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 10 a.m. at SCHOEDINGER NORTHEAST CHAPEL, 1051 E. Johnstown Road, Gahanna. Interment at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, OH Valley Affiliate, P.O. Box 163549, Columbus, OH 43216-3549. To share memories of Richard, visit www.schoedinger.com.