Lawrence James Shoemaker
March 21, 1947 - July 08, 2009
Larry (also known as Shoe) of Spokane passed away peacefully on July 8, 2009. He was born on March 21, 1947, in Spokane to William and Stella Shoemaker. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1965. Larry married Pamela Franke on April 3, 1971.
Larry joined the Washington Air National Guard in September 1967 and retired in December 2001 as Chief Master Sergeant. He served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-1991 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Larry also served in Operation Deny Flight in 1995 in Pisa, Italy, in support of the Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict. His last campaign before he retired was in support of Operation Allied Force Kosovo in 1999 at the United States Air Force Europe Headquarters, Ramstein Air Base Germany, in support of the Kosovo conflict. Larry is a highly decorated veteran with many medals to include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with 8 Devices, two separate Kuwait Liberation Medals (one for Kuwait and one for Saudi Arabia), the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor with 2 Devices, and the Washington State Disaster Relief Ribbon for Meritorious Service during Floodgate 97 in Northern Washington State. Larry was proud to be a member of the Washington Air National Guard for over 34 years and was always so willing to serve his community, state, and beloved country.
Larry was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing, watching, and coaching sports. He also loved hunting, fishing, spending time at the River and in his shop restoring his 1930 Model A, tractors, and working on “other projects.” He received pure enjoyment hanging out with his grandkids (who called him Baba), and joking and laughing with friends and family. He was a true “Man’s Man”. Larry always took care of “his girls” (Pam, Sara, and Lisa) even right up to the end.
He is survived by his wife Pam of 38 years and daughters Sara (Jim) Rosenquist and Lisa (Zach) Zaiss, along with three grandchildren and many other family members. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers (Ted and Bob).
His memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 3PM, at All Saints Lutheran Church (formerly Emmanuel), in Browne’s Addition at 314 S. Spruce St., Spokane, with a graveside service to follow on Thursday, July 16, 2PM, at the Newport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of choice. The family would like to thank all of those who touched Larry’s life.
March 21, 1947 - July 08, 2009
Larry (also known as Shoe) of Spokane passed away peacefully on July 8, 2009. He was born on March 21, 1947, in Spokane to William and Stella Shoemaker. He graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1965. Larry married Pamela Franke on April 3, 1971.
Larry joined the Washington Air National Guard in September 1967 and retired in December 2001 as Chief Master Sergeant. He served in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-1991 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Larry also served in Operation Deny Flight in 1995 in Pisa, Italy, in support of the Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict. His last campaign before he retired was in support of Operation Allied Force Kosovo in 1999 at the United States Air Force Europe Headquarters, Ramstein Air Base Germany, in support of the Kosovo conflict. Larry is a highly decorated veteran with many medals to include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal with 8 Devices, two separate Kuwait Liberation Medals (one for Kuwait and one for Saudi Arabia), the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Valor with 2 Devices, and the Washington State Disaster Relief Ribbon for Meritorious Service during Floodgate 97 in Northern Washington State. Larry was proud to be a member of the Washington Air National Guard for over 34 years and was always so willing to serve his community, state, and beloved country.
Larry was an avid sports enthusiast and enjoyed playing, watching, and coaching sports. He also loved hunting, fishing, spending time at the River and in his shop restoring his 1930 Model A, tractors, and working on “other projects.” He received pure enjoyment hanging out with his grandkids (who called him Baba), and joking and laughing with friends and family. He was a true “Man’s Man”. Larry always took care of “his girls” (Pam, Sara, and Lisa) even right up to the end.
He is survived by his wife Pam of 38 years and daughters Sara (Jim) Rosenquist and Lisa (Zach) Zaiss, along with three grandchildren and many other family members. Larry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers (Ted and Bob).
His memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 15, 3PM, at All Saints Lutheran Church (formerly Emmanuel), in Browne’s Addition at 314 S. Spruce St., Spokane, with a graveside service to follow on Thursday, July 16, 2PM, at the Newport Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of choice. The family would like to thank all of those who touched Larry’s life.
