Donald Alonza Shoemaker, Jr.

Donald Alonza Shoemaker Jr., 83, of Frederick, Maryland, passed from this life on Thursday, February 13, 2025 at Washington Hospital Center in Washington, DC. He was the loving husband of Kaye Elaine Shoemaker for nearly 62 years. 

Born on June 15, 1941, in Frederick, MD, he was the son of the late Donald Alonza Shoemaker, Sr. and Christine Eudora (Clopper) Shoemaker.

He was a graduate of Frederick High School, Class of 1959.

Donald was a hard worker his entire life, from a lemonade stand, newspaper delivery boy, selling bags of coal he picked up along Frederick's railroad tracks, working in summer hayfields and working "down the road" by age 14, working his way up through the ranks to become a paint contractor's superintendent at Hill and Snyder, to building his own profitable contracting business from the ground up in the late 70’s and serving as President for over 40 years.

He enjoyed trap shooting, goose and turkey hunting, and family gatherings. He was past president of Tuscarora Gun Club, and a member Piney Mountain Hunt Club, in Romney, WV, for over 50 years. 

He was loved by all and his quick wit will be greatly missed.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children Christine Clark and husband Mike, Patrick Shoemaker and wife Michelle, and Tara Shoemaker and husband Jason; grandchildren, Kathryn Dock and husband Nathan, Mallory Shoemaker, Margaret Shoemaker, and Alexis Clark; and his siblings, Marilyn D. McGlothin, Thomas W. Shoemaker, and Tina L. Hensley. 

Donald was predeceased by his siblings, Susan K. Seals, Craig E. Shoemaker, and Raymond L. Shoemaker. 

A celebration of Donald's life journey will take place at 3:00 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Stauffer Funeral Homes, P.A., 1621 Opossumtown Pike in Frederick, MD. The family will receive friends at the funeral home immediately following services from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at StaufferFuneralHome.com.