Jerry W. Shoemaker

Jerry W. Shoemaker, age 76 of Dayton, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 14, 2021 at his home. He was born June 6, 1944 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of the late William and Ruby Shoemaker. Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his twin brother, Larry Shoemaker; and older brother Kenneth Shoemaker.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sue; step-children, Jerry Parks, Jeff Parks, and Karen (Alan) Frazier; step-sister, Donna (Dave) Laughlin; numerous cousins, step-nieces and nephews; and his beloved canine companion, Bella.

Jerry is a veteran of the United States Army and served in Operation White Coat at Fort Detrick, MD. Jerry graduated from Mt. Vernon Academy. He studied voice at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, attended Southern University, and Washington Adventist University where he sang with Pro Musica. He worked at Kettering College for 23 years. He was a faithful member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout his life, belonging to several area churches over the years. He most recently was a member of the Beavercreek SDA Church where he intermittently continued his ministry in music even after suffering a stroke in 2006.

Jerry had a lifelong passion for music. Through the years, he directed several choirs and regularly sang at numerous local churches. Jerry was instrumental in organizing the Friday Night Singing Band at Kettering Hospital, a group that walked the hospital hallways weekly to sing hymns and bring encouragement to patients. Since 2007, he has also shared his music weekly at the Joseph Bernardin Residents' Prayer Service at St. Leonard Retirement Community. He also sang with the "Kettering Quartet", "The Dedication Quartet", and the "Dedication Singers" musical groups. He traveled the USA performing concerts and singing at hundreds of weddings. He also sang the National Anthem for the Cincinnati Reds games on several occasions. He always participated in the Village of Springboro's festivals, many times in costume. In the late 70's and early 80's, he recorded two sacred albums for the Chapel Records label that featured his most-loved songs, including an original composition. Jerry's sincere hope and prayer for those who listened to his music was that they would be blessed and drawn closer to the Lord.

In addition to his timeless singing, Jerry was well known for his extensive autograph collection. He had a wonderful sense of humor, loved puns, and had a contagious smile. Jerry wrote beautiful calligraphy and often wrote for friends' special occasions. He loved to travel and made friends easily. He fell asleep with the blessed hope of Christ's soon return. He awaits the sound of the trumpet and plans to join the Heavenly Choir!

A Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, May 23, 2021 at 11:00 am at Beavercreek Seventh-Day Adventist Church (670 Grange Hall Road, Beavercreek, OH 45430). A graveside service with military honors will take place on Monday, May 24, 2021 at 11:00 am at Miami Valley Memory Gardens (1639 E. Lytle-Five Points Rd., Dayton, OH 45458).

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: Three Angels Broadcasting Network, PO Box 220, West Frankfort, IL 62896 (www.3abn.org) or Amazing Facts 6615 Sierra College Blvd, Granite Bay, CA 95746 (www.amazingfacts.org).