Roy Shoemaker, Jr.
April 3rd, 1930 - March 7th, 2022
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Roy's Obituary
Roy Shoemaker Jr., 91, of Benton Harbor MI, passed away peacefully on March 7th after an extended illness.
At the time of Roy’s passing, he was comforted bedside by his loving wife of 65 years, Esther Elaine, daughter Marina L. Shoemaker, daughter Lori E. Wasson (spiritually present) and son Jeffrey A. Shoemaker.
Roy was born on April 3, 1930 to the late Roy Shoemaker Sr. and Lucille (Thewell) Shoots.
He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1948. Two years later he was drafted into the Army where he served in the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in 1953, Roy worked in the foundry at Whirlpool Corporation at night, while attending Lake Michigan College by day where he received his A.A. degree of Business in 1956. On June 16, 1956, he married Esther Elaine Allen. To that union, three children were born: Marina, Lori and Jeffrey. In 1957, Roy joined Heath Company (St. Joseph, MI) where he later became the Credit Service Manager until his retirement in 1991.
Well-known in the Benton Harbor and St. Joseph communities, Roy worked with many volunteer organizations, including The Lions Club and the United Way where he served as the first African American Chairperson of the 1972 United Way Campaign. Roy was a former member of the Berrien Council of Churches, Board of Directors of the Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Board Member for the Berrien County Mentally Challenged Children. He received many recognitions for his volunteerism: the Kiwanis Club Citizen of the Year Award (1972), the Lake Michigan College Alumni Service Award and A Salute to Excellence from the Iota Iota Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. He and wife Esther are 60+ year members of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church (Benton Harbor, MI) where he once served as a Warden of the Church, was the recipient of a Bishop Service Cross and sang in the choir.
Roy was loved and respected by all those he encountered. His love and helping nature were infectious—his calling. May he rest in peace and shine upon us all moving forward. His journey and legacy continue through us. Open your hearts and share just a little bit of yourself with others.
He is survived by his wife, Esther Elaine; children (Marina and Jeff); grandchildren (Alexis Wasson, Giovanni Wasson, Sinclaire Fonville and Sidne Fonville); his brother, Bernard Shoemaker (Gary, IN); a host of loving nieces and nephews; and many others who affectionally call Elaine and Roy, “Mom and Dad”. Roy was preceded in death by his daughter Lori E. Wasson (Paul); parents Roy Shoemaker Sr. and Lucille (Thewell) Shoots; and siblings Kingsley, Gloria, Oceana and Roseina.
Visitation and services will take place on March 24, 2022 at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 1753 Union Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI. Visitation is 9:30am – 11am, followed directly by the services. For those attending, the family is asking that masks be worn.
Internment will take place in the North Shore Memory Gardens (Coloma, MI) at a later time.
In tribute to Roy’s giving spirit, the family suggests donating to these organizations: American Heart Association, The Cancer Society, United Way, St. Augustine’s Food Bank and March of Dimes.
Arrangements provided by Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services. Those wishing to sign Roy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
At the time of Roy’s passing, he was comforted bedside by his loving wife of 65 years, Esther Elaine, daughter Marina L. Shoemaker, daughter Lori E. Wasson (spiritually present) and son Jeffrey A. Shoemaker.
Roy was born on April 3, 1930 to the late Roy Shoemaker Sr. and Lucille (Thewell) Shoots.
He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1948. Two years later he was drafted into the Army where he served in the Korean War. Following his honorable discharge in 1953, Roy worked in the foundry at Whirlpool Corporation at night, while attending Lake Michigan College by day where he received his A.A. degree of Business in 1956. On June 16, 1956, he married Esther Elaine Allen. To that union, three children were born: Marina, Lori and Jeffrey. In 1957, Roy joined Heath Company (St. Joseph, MI) where he later became the Credit Service Manager until his retirement in 1991.
Well-known in the Benton Harbor and St. Joseph communities, Roy worked with many volunteer organizations, including The Lions Club and the United Way where he served as the first African American Chairperson of the 1972 United Way Campaign. Roy was a former member of the Berrien Council of Churches, Board of Directors of the Berrien County Chapter of the American Red Cross, and Board Member for the Berrien County Mentally Challenged Children. He received many recognitions for his volunteerism: the Kiwanis Club Citizen of the Year Award (1972), the Lake Michigan College Alumni Service Award and A Salute to Excellence from the Iota Iota Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. He and wife Esther are 60+ year members of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church (Benton Harbor, MI) where he once served as a Warden of the Church, was the recipient of a Bishop Service Cross and sang in the choir.
Roy was loved and respected by all those he encountered. His love and helping nature were infectious—his calling. May he rest in peace and shine upon us all moving forward. His journey and legacy continue through us. Open your hearts and share just a little bit of yourself with others.
He is survived by his wife, Esther Elaine; children (Marina and Jeff); grandchildren (Alexis Wasson, Giovanni Wasson, Sinclaire Fonville and Sidne Fonville); his brother, Bernard Shoemaker (Gary, IN); a host of loving nieces and nephews; and many others who affectionally call Elaine and Roy, “Mom and Dad”. Roy was preceded in death by his daughter Lori E. Wasson (Paul); parents Roy Shoemaker Sr. and Lucille (Thewell) Shoots; and siblings Kingsley, Gloria, Oceana and Roseina.
Visitation and services will take place on March 24, 2022 at St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, 1753 Union Avenue, Benton Harbor, MI. Visitation is 9:30am – 11am, followed directly by the services. For those attending, the family is asking that masks be worn.
Internment will take place in the North Shore Memory Gardens (Coloma, MI) at a later time.
In tribute to Roy’s giving spirit, the family suggests donating to these organizations: American Heart Association, The Cancer Society, United Way, St. Augustine’s Food Bank and March of Dimes.
Arrangements provided by Starks Family Funeral Homes & Cremation Services. Those wishing to sign Roy’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.