Ernest E. "Eddy" Shoemaker

SERVICE UPDATE: Graveside Services with Military Rites will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024, at New Boston Cemetery 640 Cemetery Rd., New Boston, IL.

Ernest Edward Shoemaker, 59, affectionately known as Eddy to his friends and family, passed away Monday, January 15, 2024, surrounded by his family at his home in New Boston, IL.

Eddy was born Tuesday, May 26, 1964, in Douglas, WY, the son of Ernest and Margo Bloem Shoemaker, Jr.

Eddy had served in the United States Navy and earned the rank of Petty Officer 3rd Class E-4 Hull Technician. He served on the USS Whidbey Island LSD 41. He was what is known as a ‘plank owner’; a member of the first crew on a brand-new ship. He met the ship in Bremerton, WA and sailed it around to the east coast via the Panama Canal. He was also stationed to shore duty in Norfolk, VA.

Eddy dedicated many years of hard work as a skilled Fabricator at Superior Seawalls Docks and Dredge, where his craftsmanship was highly valued.

Outside of work, Eddy was a man of many passions. He cherished the time spent with his family and friends, whether it was hanging out, shooting the bull, or enjoying a few beers together. His love for working on vehicles was more than a hobby; it was a testament to his creative spirit and his ability to bring ideas to life. Eddy's ingenuity and resourcefulness were admired by all who knew him.

Eddy's open heart and generous nature meant he never knew a stranger. He was the person others sought for help, knowing he would offer it without hesitation. His legacy is one of kindness, laughter, and the countless lives he touched.

As we say goodbye to Eddy, we celebrate a life that made a lasting impact on everyone he met. His memory will continue to inspire us, and his spirit will live on in the stories shared by those who loved him. Eddy will be deeply missed, by his children, April (Jordan) Brown, Amber (Jason) Johnson, Melaina Dodson, and Shannon Rolland all of Pikeville Tennessee; grandchildren, Elyssa Brown, EJ Brown, Domonic Wargo, Kynleigh Dodson and Angel Roland; his parents, Ernest and Margo (Bloem) Shoemaker of New Boston, IL.; brother, Michael (Kelli) Shoemaker from Ridgefield, WA, Kevin (Toy) Shoemaker, Travis Shoemaker and Trevor Shoemaker of Lakeland, FL; sisters, Sheila Brown, Kim (Kenny)Seitz, Melanie Sedam all of New Boston, IL, and Tracey Wilkens from Muscatine, IA.

He was preceded in death by his fiancé, Linda Willits; brother-in-law, Bill Brown; many aunts and uncles; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

A memorial visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Saturday, January 20th at the New Boston Assembly of God Church in New Boston. Food and fellowship will follow at The Barn in New Boston.

Please share your love, memories, and support with Eddy’s family on his Memorial Tribute Site at www.nicholsbewley.com.

Nichols Bewley Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to care for Eddy’s family and arrangements.

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