Dan Johnston Shoemaker

Dan J. Shoemaker, Sr., AKA "Oh Great Papa'' was a Pied Piper of children and dogs. He passed away surrounded by family and his favorite music, including the three Louies (Jordan, Prima, and Armstrong), on Thursday, February 3, 2022 at the age of 95.

The youngest of eight children, Dan was born in Charlotte, North Carolina to Walter Gaston Shoemaker, a dry grocer, and Margaret Annabelle Alexander Shoemaker, a homemaker. Dan dropped out of high school to join the Navy on his 17th birthday, serving in the Pacific Theater during WWII on the USS Antietam, CV36, the newest and most powerful aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy's fleet.

Upon his return to Charlotte he re-enrolled in school, finishing his education with a business degree. He married Helen Grace Seegers, his one true love, on November 22, 1947, while still pursuing his education. Together they had four children. Dan and his family relocated to DeKalb County in 1958 where he spent the remainder of his life.

Dan was an avid woodworker, crafting doll houses, dog houses, and furniture treasured by his family. He LOVED golf, playing mostly at Mystery Valley, winning a hole-in-one competition at the age of 65. Dan worked hard to spread his love of the sport, although rarely successfully, to his descendents. He had better luck teaching them how to use power tools … even the girls. When not educating his grandchildren in the safe use of a bandsaw he could be found playing hide and seek or mother may I, and judging driveway Big Wheel races. In his later years he enjoyed playing bridge at the Tucker Rec Center and at his assisted living community.

Dan was a member of Post 66 Decatur of The American Legion, The Atlanta WWII Roundtable, The USS Antietam Association, The Mariners Sunday School class at Oak Grove UMC, and would have celebrated his 63rd AA birthday in May.

He was preceded in death by his precious wife Helen, son Dave, grandson Joshua, daughter-in-law Melissa, and seven brothers and sisters.

He is survived by three of his children, Rosalind Shoemaker Eaves (Chuck), Dan J. Shoemaker Jr., and Nancy Shoemaker Newell (Kevin); grandchildren, Amy Shoemaker Carpenter (Brent), Helen Eaves Strickland (Lon), Kelly Eaves (Kasra), and Scott Shoemaker (Lisa); ten great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews whom he adored.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Dan may be made to the construction of The Ethridge Inclusive Playground c/o Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 1772 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA 30033. The playground is designed to give special needs children, their siblings and friends a place where they can play together. It will be open to the community at large.

A memorial service to honor the life of Dan J. Shoemaker will be held on Saturday, April 16th 2022 at Oak Grove United Methodist Church, 172 Oak Grove Road, Decatur, GA 30033. Tel: 404.636.7558