Paul Martin Shoemaker

Paul Martin Shoemaker, 85, of Cheshire, Ohio passed away on August 17, 2022.

Paul was born on February 16, 1937 to Harry and Hazel (Curfman) Shoemaker.  He arrived during the 1937 flood and the doctor came to their home in a row boat.

He grew up on a small farm in Rutland where he enjoyed riding horses with his sister Hilda and attending school.  Paul worked with his dad and grandpa in timber.  He graduated from Rutland High School in 1955. Paul married Katherine “Katie” Martin on March 29, 1959.  He was drafted into the Army in 1960 and served in Germany. Paul and Katie had one son, Michael Martin. They resided in Cheshire.  Paul worked at the Gallipolis Development Center (GDC) where he started milking cows, became Farm Manager, and later Maintenance Supervisor.  He retired from GDC with 36 years of service.

Paul is survived by his son and daughter-in law, Mike and Sharon (Exline) Shoemaker; two grandchildren, Kaci Lynn (Jacob) Cooke and Briggs Jacob Shoemaker (fiancé Rachael Smith) and two great-grandchildren, Bodie Martin Cooke and Asa Matthew Cooke all of Thurman; two sisters, Hilda Cross of Athens and Doris Wilbur of Hamden; special friend and love, Mary Jo Barringer of Coolville; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Katie Shoemaker; his parents; his father and mother-in-law, Paul E. and Jewel (Neville) Martin; and brothers-in-law, Arthur Cross and Ron Wilbur.

Paul was a member of Cheshire Baptist Church where over the years he was on various church boards, Sunday school teacher, and Choir member. He was also active in many community organizations: Gallia County Farm Bureau where he was a Trustee and active member, Gallia County 4-H Advisor for 44 years with the Little Kyger Valley Boys 4-H Club and Rio Hopefuls 4-H Club, and Gallia County Agricultural Society where he was a dedicated and active member of the Board of Directors (Gallia County Junior Fairboard) for 39 years.  He served on the Gallia County Planning Commission, State 4-H Advisory Committee, Gallia County Extension Advisory Board, Gallia County 4-H Advisory Committee, Ohio State Farm Managers Association, Buckeye Hills Vocational Agricultural Committee, ESC Business Advisory Council, GCD Citizens Advisory Council, and many more.

Paul received many awards for his diligent service including the Director’s Award for Innovation and Excellence from The Ohio Department of Agriculture at the Ohio Fair Managers Convention, The Volunteer Service Award from the Ohio 4-H Foundation received during the Celebration of Youth Event, Gallia County Farm Bureau Star Award Winner, and Distinguished Farm Bureau Member Award.

He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, talking, laughing, and, of course, working.  Paul loved working on the farm with the family. He was not just a father but such a loving and caring friend to his son and daughter-in-law. Paul spent timeless hours with his grandchildren, Kaci, Briggs, and Jacob not only loving them but also teaching them about life--Be Honest, Be Courageous, Work Hard at whatever you do.  We truly thought you walked on water!  Pap, we love you dearly; you will be greatly missed!

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, August 22, 2022 at Willis Funeral Home in Gallipolis with Pastor Todd Hines officiating. Burial will follow at Gravel Hill Cemetery in Cheshire. Friends may call on Sunday, August 21, 2022 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Briggs Shoemaker, Jacob Cooke, Larry Cross, Scottie Curfman, Richie Curfman, Craig Richards, and Shelby Richards.  In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Long Range Improvement Fund for the Gallia County Junior Fair, P.O. Box 931, Gallipolis, Ohio 45631.

Please visit www.willisfuneralhome.com to send e-mail condolences.