Submitted by: Dan Rich
Paul E. Shoemaker
April 17, 1918 - Dec. 2, 2005
Paul E. Shoemaker, 87, of Mishawaka, Ind., died at 9:25 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, in Woodbridge Health Campus, Logansport. He was born April 17, 1918, in North Manchester, Ind., the son of Merle and Laura Squire Shoemaker. Paul graduated from North Liberty High School in 1936 and from South Bend College of Commerce in 1939.
In 1942 he married Donnabell Heim in North Liberty, Ind. A veteran of World War II, Paul served in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946, earning the Bronze Star service medal. In 1946 Paul began his career in the produce business with Paul's Fruit Market in Plymouth, Ind. In 1954 he founded the Shoemaker Fruit & Vegetable Company in Logansport which is presently known as D&R Fruit and Meat Markets of Logansport and Lafayette.
On Feb. 10, 1977, Paul married Betty Bird Harven in Harlingen, Texas. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Mishawaka, and was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Logansport.
Surviving are five sons, Ronald (Pat) Shoemaker of Logansport, Dave (Connie) Shoemaker of Lafayette, Ken Harvey of Lafayette, Bill (Rhoda) Harvey of Mishawaka and Tim (Sue) Harvey of South Bend. In addition, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren survive. He was preceded in death by three brothers and one sister.
A memorial service will be held in Fisher Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m., with Reverend James Richly officiating. Following the service, a gathering celebrating Paul's life will be held at the Cass County Carousel in the Michele Complex, Riverside Park, Logansport. Contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.