Donald G. Shoemaker, 80 of Blue Springs, Missouri formerly of Warrensburg passed away Tuesday, July 13, 2021 at St. Mary's Medical Center in Blue Springs.

Don was born in Hillsboro, Ohio on October 18, 1940 and graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1958. He attended Sinclair College in Dayton, Ohio, majoring in business administration before joining the United States Navy. He served in the Navy from November 22, 1958 through December 22, 1962, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Quartermaster 3rd Class Petty Officer. During his service, he was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Hancock CVA-19, then an aircraft carrier, and he made two cruises overseas in the Western Pacific and served during the Korean War.

After his discharge, he began working with the United Telephone Company of Ohio, now known as Sprint. He started as a lineman and worked his way up into several management and leadership positions before he retired as a District Service Manager in Warrensburg, Missouri. He retired after 35 years of service.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret Evans. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Lou Owens and his son, Doug, and his daughter-in-law Tina. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Elise and two step-grandchildren, Jack and Mallorie.

Don was active in his community and held offices in the Lions Club, Rotary Club and served in the chamber of commerce and United Way in various communities in which he lived. He was the President of the State of Wyoming Independent Telephone Association when he was living in Torrington, Wyoming, and was a member of Corinthian Blue Lodge in Warrensburg, Missouri.

He became a Mason in 1966 and was a part of Scottish Rite Valley of Kansas City, 32nd Degree, York Rite and ultimately a member of the Ararat Shrine in Kansas City, Missouri. During his time with the Ararat Shrine, he was an Ambassador, Potentate's Aide, and Chief Aide. He was involved with the Music Bowl competition for many years and was a proud member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 54 of Kansas City. He was appointed to the Honorary Legion of Honor in DeMolay for his meritorious service and was a member of the American Legion Post 21 in Independence, Missouri as well as a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge #2509 in Blue Springs, Missouri.

There will be a private Jester's Rose Ceremony held at Chapel of Hope at Mt. Moriah Cemetery in Kansas City. Entombment will follow at Mt. Moriah Fountain Alcove Mausoleum with Military Honors provided by U. S. Navy Honor Guard.

Memorial Contributions are suggested to the Ararat Shrine Transportation Fund.

Arrangements entrusted to Williams Funeral Chapel in Warrensburg.

Online condolences may be left at www.williamsfuneralchapel.net