RUSSELL EUGENE SHOEMAKER

Grandpa,

Thank you for moving the "troublesome pipe" so I could ride my big wheel all the way around the house when I came to stay with you.

Thank you for taking us to the lake every year and teaching me to water ski. I love that you were a no nonsense kind of guy. Three tries, no helpers in the water, you've got to learn to do it all on your own, and if you're gonna whine and cry you're gonna get back in the boat.

Thank you for all of the hours spent looking at the photo albums and all of the old slides. I loved hearing the stories that went with all the photos. It was one of my favorite parts about coming to Bartlesville.

Thank you for keeping "Melani rock" all those years by your bedside. Who knew some random lake rock I picked up when I was 6 months old would be so precious to me now that I'm in my 40s.

Thank you for encouraging me to go to college and travel and make a career and a life for myself that I can be proud of.

I miss you and love you. You and grandma meant the world to me. Forever proud to be a Shoemaker.

Love
Mel


There is always room for a 2nd piece of pie and the cookies always stick together.

If I ever need inspiration or motivation, I think of my grandpa. He came from a poor family but worked hard to create the life he wanted. He lived life to its fullest: surviving a WWII explosion, graduating from college, visiting all 50 states, having a marriage of 61 years, and water-skiing at the age of 80. He was a truly great man.

I will miss you grandpa but I am so happy you can be with grandma again. Rest In Peace. ❤

I didn't get a chance to meet you but we share a birthday so we already kind of know each other! You are a true hero, thank you for your service. I hope you are happily reunited with your lovely wife and rest in peace together forever. Thank you for Amanda, she is a gem!