Leonard Wiley Shoemaker was invited into the Kingdom of Heaven on Friday, February 28th, 2025, where he was greeted with open arms by his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and the love of his life, Jean Shoemaker.
Leonard was born on November 11th, 1937 in Long Beach, California. On June 1st, 1958 he married his high school sweetheart, Jean. Leonard graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University. He later went on to found Leonard W. Shoemaker and Associates, a civil engineering company that he and his wife devoted their life’s work. Leonard was a Christian in faith, and was a deacon in his and Jean’s Presbyterian Church. Leonard enjoyed spending time outdoors, and was particularly fond of fishing, skiing, and traveling the globe with his wife. He would often be spotted carrying around a walking stick that he crafted by hand, or drinking an IBC root beer. He was a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, but there was no one he loved more than his wife, Jean. He spent most of his time doing whatever Jean wanted to do, and supported her in all of her endeavors. When Jean wrote a book, Leonard took her on a book signing tour across the country. When Jean wanted to travel the world for two years, he dropped everything and joined her. His final act of love for Jean, however, was making sure she wasn’t alone, even in death. Jean was only gone for five days before Leonard joined her in Heaven. They share a love that transcends time and space, one that most people could only dream of.
Leonard is preceded in death by his loving wife of 66 years, Jean Shoemaker, his parents Josephine and Leonard M. Shoemaker, his brother, Nathan Shoemaker, and his sister, Catherine Pell.
He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Sharon and Van Walker, his grandson London (Brooke) Walker, granddaughter Keenan (Ethan) Silverman, three great grandchildren Roman Walker, Elijah Walker, and Clementine Silverman, his nephew Andy Pell, nieces Tracy Graham and Susannah Pell Turner, and 7 great nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be held on Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at Riley Funeral Home in Woodville, Texas. A burial will follow at Magnolia Cemetery where he will rest peacefully next to his beloved wife and parents.
Services are held under the direction of Riley Funeral Home, Woodville, Texas. 399
