Robert William Shoemyer Obituary

Robert William Shoemyer Obituary

Robert William Shoemyer, age 93, of Shelbina, MO, passed away Sunday, January 21, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family.

Robert was born December 1, 1930, in rural Ralls County, MO, the son of Ernest Ely and Zella Virginia (Kropf) Shoemyer. Celebrating nearly 70 years of marriage, Robert was united in marriage to Dorothy Magruder on May 27, 1954 at the Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Lentner, MO. She survives.

Robert is also survived by his four children, Debra (Gary) Kidwell of Maud, MO, Shirley (Larry) Hall of Overland Park, KS, Tammy (Richard) Ratliff of Shelbina, MO, and Wes (Cheryl) Shoemyer of Maud, MO; grandchildren, Jeremiah Kidwell, Briana Kidwell, Jeffrey (Heather) Ratliff, Scott (Natalie) Ratliff, Brent (Kristin) Ratliff, Jeanna (Troy) Gaines, Elizabeth (Travis) Daniel, Robert (Rebekah) Hall, Rebecca (Matt) Forrest, Shelley (Ty) Truitt, Kim (Brandon) Viers, Keith (Jamie) Ratliff, Janet (Caleb) Phillips, Wendy (Nate) Arni, Laura Shoemyer, Amy (Dan) North, and Andrew (Kelsey) Shoemyer; 37 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Cyola Ratliff and her husband, Arthur; granddaughter, Kelli Kidwell; sister, Virginia Mae (Shoemyer) Totten; and her husband, Donald Totten.

Robert was a member and served as deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church. He received an American Farmer Degree in 1951 and was chosen to participate in the International Farm Youth Exchange (IFYE) in 1953 and lived with farm families in Holland. Robert was a past Master of the Shelbina Masonic Lodge 228. He served on the Salt River Nursing Home Board, the Monroe County Farm Service Agency Board, was a past president and member of the National Farmers Organization, and was a 4-H leader. Robert was instrumental in petitioning to help establish the soil and water districts in Monroe County. He loved the outdoors and shared his love of both flower and vegetable gardening with the community. He enjoyed hunting mushrooms, raccoons, deer, and arrowheads. He also enjoyed square dancing, and playing pitch with friends.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 from 5 pm to 7 pm at Greening-Eagan-Hayes Funeral Home in Shelbina, MO. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, January 25, 2024 at the funeral home in Shelbina, MO, with Randy Bergthold officiating. Memorials may be made to the Cyola Jean Foundation.