Donald Shoemaker Obituary

Donald R. Shoemaker, 87, of Buffalo Township, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, at home. Born on Friday, May 13, 1938, in Natrona Heights, to the late Paul T. Shoemaker and Laura B. Heeter Shoemaker Elliott. Donald was a tech sergeant in the Navy-Air Force for 20 years as a civil engineer carpenter. After the service he was a carpenter at Pullman Standard and then for Trinity Industries in Butler. Donald was a member and an elder of the Buffalo Presbyterian Church, where he joined the church in 1965. He was also a member of the Armstrong Freeport Masons and a member of the Scottish Rite of New Castle. He enjoyed the outdoors and going camping in Erie. Donald enjoyed telling stories about his courting days with his wife, Amber (Blair). She, as well as her sister, lived and worked in Washington, DC, on weekdays. This is where Donald was stationed in the Navy. He and a friend would drive both sisters back to their hometown of New Bethlehem every weekend. He said it was a lot of miles; however, he was in love, and she made every minute worth it. They were married for 60 years. Donald leaves behind to cherish his memory his children, Donald A. (Michele) Shoemaker of Fennellton and Valerie B. (Louis) Shaw of Saxonburg; his grandchildren, Wesley (Erin Lewis) Shaw of Troy, MI, Kylie (Joshua) Shaw Haupt of Allison Park, Garrett Shaw of Troy, MI, and Carl (Hannah Klacik) Shaw of Vienna, OH; his three great-grandchildren, Tiegan Haupt, Emerson Haupt, and Aila Shaw; and his sister, Patricia Groom of Las Vegas, NV. In addition to his parents, Donald was preceded in death by his wife, Amber; his son, Daniel Shoemaker; his brother, Paul T. Shoemaker; and his infant great-granddaughter, Aisling Shaw. Family and friends are invited from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at ROBERT PETERS FUNERAL HOME INC., 1521 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065 (724-224-7730), where funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 29, 2025, with the Reverend Rob Swinsburg of the Buffalo Presbyterian Church officiating. Burial will follow at Herman Cemetery, Porter Township. For online condolences and more information, please visit www.petersfamilyfuneralhomes.com.