Alan Eugene Shoemaker, age 69, passed away at his home in Independence, Missouri on January 8, 2024. Services will be Wednesday, January 17, 2024 Visitation 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. and Thursday, January 18, 2024 Funeral 10:00 a.m. at Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home in Independence, Missouri. 

Al was born September 2, 1954 in Independence, MO, to Russell Eugene Shoemaker and Marguerite Cecelia (Lewis) Shoemaker. Al grew up in Independence, and attended local schools, graduating from Van Horn High School in 1972. He worked at the local HiBoy Drive In throughout his school days, then later joined the USPS as a postman delivering mail all over Independence. After his several years at the Post Office, he worked at the Phillips Petroleum Oil Refinery in Kansas City, KS., until the plant closed in 1982. Later, he worked at Midwest Medical repairing oxygen concentrators. Al attended Tri County Tech in Bartlesville, OK., where he received his certificate in HVAC.

Al was a Jack-of-all-trades, and especially liked all things mechanical. He could take apart, repair, and reassemble just about anything. Among his many interests were clocks, coins, doing jig saw puzzles, fishing, playing cards, watching movies, cooking and grilling, Spam, Harry Truman, Elvis (the King), antiques, and yes, even “junk”(!),  and Chiefs’ football. Perhaps his favorite time was summer Lake Time with family and extended family at TableRock Lake. This yearly lake time was a tradition that extended back even into the 1970’s with mom and dad and brother, and continues to this day.

Al was gentle, kind, and helpful to many people, who might just need an errand, a ride, or a favor. He was especially proud of his 3 children, all whom achieved college degrees. Always with a pen in his pocket (he pretty much required a shirt to have a pocket, even a tee shirt), a toothpick in his mouth and spares in his wallet, a smile on his face and a hat on his head, he left us way too soon, and will be GREATLY missed by family and friends.

Alan is survived by Alona Shoemaker, his partner of 37 years, of Lee’s Summit, MO., his daughter Melani Shoemaker and partner Todd Leader, of Kansas City, MO., his son, Jason Shoemaker and partner Jenny McIlory of Kansas City, MO., his daughter Amanda (Shoemaker) Still and husband Coleton of Lee’s Summit, MO., brother Larry Shoemaker and wife Linda of Bartlesville, OK., Nephew Brad Shoemaker and wife Melissa, their children Austin Long, Elizabeth Long, Reagan Shoemaker, of Bartlesville, OK., Niece Susan Shoemaker, of Bartlesville, OK., numerous cousins, and many friends.

Al donated often to the DAV organization and to Boy’s Town in Omaha, NE., and the Family would suggest that any donations be made to these organizations.

Obituary submitted by the family.

Arrangements: Royer’s New Salem Funeral Home, Independence, MO 816-796-8600