Ronald J. Shoemaker

Ronald Jerome Shoemaker 85 of Chillicothe passed peacefully from this life on Tuesday, April 26, 2022, following a brief illness.

Ronnie to some and Ron to others was born June 26, 1936, to the late Lt. Governor Myrl H and Dorothy Cook Shoemaker in Nipgen, Ohio. He was the first born followed later by seven siblings. In the early 1950’s it was Bourneville that became home to the Shoemaker 10 along with his much-admired grandfather Claude “Pop” Cook. Ronnie cared deeply about his family heritage and traditions. Memories of those days will never fade.

Ronnie’s faith in God was formed at a young age during Nipgen camp meetings and reinforced by attending the Presbyterian Church in his adult years.

Ronnie graduated from Twin High School in 1954. There he was a standout basketball player scoring “ROUGHLY” 1,673 points which was a Ross County scoring record for 38 years. His record currently sits in third place which was accomplished with 16 game seasons and no 3-point shot.

He was named All-Ohio Honorable Mention 1954. 1st Team All-Ross County – 1951,1952,1953,1954.

Widely considered to be the best player of his era, Ron led his Twin High School teams to two County Championships and a perfect 16-0 record in 1954.

He was later inducted into the Paint Valley Athletic Hall of Fame.

He attended Ohio University where he played on the freshmen team during the1954-1955 season. He went on to coach a Bainbridge Jr. High team to an unblemished record of 30-0. And then became the varsity coach at Bishop Flaget High School from 1963 to 1966 and had an overall record of 54-12.

These honors, however, were not his most prized accomplishment. It was at Twin High where he won the love of his life, Joy Brown. They married after graduation and shared 65 years of happiness until her passing in 2020. He absolutely cherished her along with their children John, Steve, Lisa and their families.

While attending college Ronnie worked for Twin Construction with his dad, NCR in Dayton and with the help of Joy ran the Paxton Theater in Bainbridge for his Uncle Barton Cook.

Ronnie graduated with a bachelor’s degree in education from Ohio University and a master’s degree from Xavier University. He became a successful teacher (Bainbridge & Bishop Flaget), coach (Bainbridge & Bishop Flaget), principal (Clarksburg & Waverly) athletic director (Adena), county supervisor (Ross County) superintendent (Paint Valley) and school board member (Waverly). After many years in education, he changed professions and became a lobbyist for the Ohio Consumer Finance Association. This job allowed he and Joy to travel to all the major cities in the U.S. They enjoyed those trips, but nothing compared to the pure enjoyment the two reaped from the countless ball games they attended over the years. Not only to watch and encourage their own but supporting numerous relatives and young people of their community.

 Ron enjoyed sports, politics, being a Michigan fan, reliving family events and reminiscing about past ball games. He was a kind man with a good sense of humor and quick wit. His pride and loyalty to those he loved was unprecedented. Ron believed in serving the community and being a bridge builder for future generations.

Ron was predeceased by his loving wife Joy, his wonderful parents, his brother Keith, Father-in-law and mother-in-law Emerson and Ruth Brown and brother-in-law Bob Brown.

He is survived by his children John (Jackie) Shoemaker, Steve (Angela) Shoemaker and Lisa (Dan) Easterday. Grandchildren Kayla (Casey) Hoorelbeke, Jenna (Jeremy) Huey and Nick Easterday. Great granddaughter Coraline Hoorelbeke. Brothers Mike (Kathy) Shoemaker, Kevin (Barb) Shoemaker and Mick (Polly) Shoemaker. Sisters Kathy Shoemaker, Brenda (Bob) Finnessy and Debbie (Bob) Leach. Good friends Marsha and Frank Breeden. Family member Vicki Shoemaker. A special family Kelli, Jason, Ava and Ireland Warrens. Along with several relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Ron’s family would like to thank the National Church Residence Hospice team for their excellent care and friendship over the past few months along with all those that went the “extra mile” to help us with his care.

Ronnie and Joy’s journeys may have ended here on earth; however, both leave legacies beyond measure.  They were a match made in heaven. Now together once again they watch from above cheering us all on!

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church

13 Mead Drive Chillicothe, Ohio 45601.

OR

National Church Residences Hospice

681 E. 3rd St. Waverly, OH 45690

Funeral services will be held 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at WARE FUNERAL HOME with Rev. Dr. Jason Link officiating. Burial will follow in Twin Township Cemetery.  Friends may call at WARE FUNERAL HOME from 10:00 – 12:00 on Tuesday before the service.

You may sign his online register at www.warefh.com

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