Elza Lee Shoemaker

Elza Lee Shoemaker, 93, died May 27, 2012 at Stockhoff Nursing Home in Fredericktown. He was born July 19, 1918 at Jewett, Missouri, the son of Frank and Clara (Pippin) Shoemaker.

Elza was preceded in death by his wife Norma (Smith) Shoemaker, whom he married August 9, 1940; his parents; sisters Leila Shoemaker, Irene Scott, Ruth Schneiderheinze, and Dorothy Guinn; and brother Tony Shoemaker.

Elza is survived by four children, Shirley Mohan of Libertyville, Richard Shoemaker of Fredericktown, Johnny Shoemaker of Shelbyville, Illinois and Carol Tovey of Surprise, Arizona;brothers John Shoemaker and Fred Shoemaker, both of Fredericktown; sister Louise Curcuru of St. Louis; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great grandchildren.

Elza was a member of the teamsters union and drove a Campbell 66 Express truck for 35 years. He was instrumental in the construction of Sam A. Baker State Park during his enrollment in the CCC Camp. He also served in the United States army during World War II in the Philippine theatre.

Funeral services were May 29, 2012, at Follis and Sons Funeral Home with the Rev. Robert Graham officiating. Burial was in Revelle Cemetery.

www.follisandsonsfh.com