Terry Shoemaker

Terry Eugene Shoemaker, age 70, passed away peacefully at home with his family on January 21, 2026. Terry was born in Ogden, UT on February 26, 1955, to Eugene and Colleen Shoemaker.

At the age of 6 his father decided to pursue a PhD in Political Science. They moved to Los Angeles, CA where his father attended University of Southern California. At 12 years old they moved to Sacramento, CA where his father was a professor at the University. Terry was the oldest child of five, Steve, Debbie, Stacey, and Christopher. Terry graduated from Rio Americano high school in 1973.

Terry married Elizabeth Hooper on August 6, 1977, in the Oakland, California temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They went on to live their married life in Provo, Salt Lake, Lindon, Orem, and Charleston, Utah.

Terry attended Brigham Young University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1979. He later pursued a Master of Education, and Education Administrator at Brigham Young University in 1981.

Terry was a prominent Utah educator recognized for his decades of service and leadership in public education. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, most notably leading the Wasatch County School District, before transitioning into influential statewide leadership roles.

Terry began his career in public education in 1979, working in the Jordan School District and later the Provo School District, where he built a reputation as a dedicated educator with a strong commitment to student achievement and instructional excellence.

Earlier in his career, he received the Don Clark Math Educator Award (1992), honoring his influence beyond the classroom and his commitment to high-quality instruction. Terry received the Reed Smoot Award 1997 Outstanding educator.

In 2001, Terry served as the Superintendent of Wasatch County School District, a role he held for approximately 15 years. And as superintendent, he led significant modernization efforts, including pioneering districtwide digital learning initiatives that placed laptops directly into students' hands—positioning Wasatch as a leader in educational technology and innovation. During his tenure, he was appointed by Governor Huntsman to Utah Valley University: Board of Trustees for 8 years. Terry was named Utah School Superintendent of the Year in 2014 in recognition of his impact.

In 2016, Terry transitioned from district leadership to statewide advocacy, serving in leadership roles with both the Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA) and the Utah School Boards Association (USBA). In these roles, he worked closely with education leaders across Utah and actively participated in legislative and policy discussions, representing the interests of school districts, superintendents, and local school boards at the state level.

Terry was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints all of his life. Terry served a mission for two years in Melbourne, Australia. He served in many callings including Bishop, multiple High Councils, and Young Men callings. He was the Bishop of a singles ward where three of his children found spouses. He was a valiant home teacher, and he never missed a month. He loved the gospel and lived his life as a disciple of Jesus Christ.

He was thrilled to have four beautiful children, Jason, Jeremy, Brittany and Josh. Terry deeply enjoyed his 13 grandchildren Karissa (Devin), Kelly, Kara (Tayden), Rocky, Kenna, Pearl, Sariah (Kevin), Emily, TJ, Clara, Bradley, Lucas and Emma. Terry loved his in-laws Jillyn, Kim and Tyler.

He loved the outdoors boating, fishing, camping, ATV'S, hunting and snowmobiling. He especially loved to do these activities with his family and friends. Terry was always active and could rarely be found sitting. He loved to work and always had a project to work on. He would do most things himself including car repairs, small engine repairs, sprinklers and electrical work. Terry always wanted to be a farmer and rancher. He milked cows, had a horse, chickens and wished he could have bred cows. He loved caring for his yard and garden.

Terry is survived by his wife Elizabeth and children Jason of Herriman, UT; Jeremy (Jillyn) of Nephi, UT; Brittany (Tyler Moss) of Lenexa, KS, and Joshua (Kim) of Salt Lake, UT, 13 grandchildren and one great-grandchild Bohdi Metcalf.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Thaddeus Eugene and Colleen Shoemaker.

A visitation will be held at Nelson Family Mortuary: 4780 North University Avenue, Provo, Utah, 84604, on Monday 26th, January 2026 at 6:00-8:00 PM. A second visitation will take place on Tuesday 27th, January 2026 at 9:30-10:45 AM at the church 3450 South 3500 West, Heber City, Utah 84032. The funeral service will be held at the same venue on Tuesday 27th, January 2026 at 11:00 AM.



Burial will follow at the Charleston Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Wasatch Education Foundation, https://wasatched.org/.