Herbert Shoemaker

Herbert Shoemaker, age 93, of Gray, KY, passed away on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, at Barbourville Health and Rehabilitation Center.

Born in Harlan County, KY, he was a son to the late Billy and Hannah Shoemaker. Herbert was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church and was a mason with Hugh Harris Lodge No. 938. A man of many talents, Herbert enjoyed tinkering with motors, lawnmowers, and woodcraft. He enjoyed a challenge and could always find a solution. Furthermore, he liked to share his knowledge with others and teach them his craftmanship. Herbert also loved working in his garden and spending time with his beloved family.

In addition to his parents, Billy Beckham Shoemaker and Hannah Ethel Shoemaker, he was preceded in death by four brothers, John Shoemaker, Bentley Shoemaker, Elmer Shoemaker, and Jim Shoemaker, sisters, Zella Messer and Faye Gibson, and a son, Mike Shoemaker.

He is survived by his wife, Doris Reeder Shoemaker, siblings, Charles Shoemaker of Ohio, Ruth Clark of Keith, KY, Billie Sue Disney of Florida, and Shannon Beshears (Larry) of Cumberland, KY, children, Rick Shoemaker (Jamie) of Ohio, and Theresa England of Coldiron, KY, stepchildren of 33 years, Earlene Wilson (Howard) of Woodbine, KY, Karen Patterson of Enid, OK, Earl Cornett (Cathi) of Woodbine, KY, and Jeffery Cornett of Gray, KY, and by host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who mourn his passing.

Visitation will be held from 12-1pm on Friday, September 8, 2023, at Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where his funeral service will follow at 1pm on Friday with Rev. Vernon Morris officiating, and masonic rites conducted by Hugh Harris Masonic Lodge No. 938.

Burial will follow at Dowis Chapel Cemetery in Woodbine, KY.

Arrangements by Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where messages of condolence may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com