MJ "Butch" Shoemaker

MJ "Butch" Shoemaker, age 82, passed, unexpectedly, Saturday, September 24, 2022 at M.A. Assisted Living, in Natalia.

Butch was born March 2, 1940, in Washington, DC, the son of Milton John aka Milton Fremont Shoemaker and Frances Housel Shoemaker.

Butch, as known by his many friends, graduated from Edison High School in 1958. After graduating from high school, Butch's mother told him to either get a job or join the military, so at age 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served 4 years as an Electrician's Mate aboard the Aircraft carrier, USS Coral Sea. In May 1964, after his military service was completed, he went to work for Union Pacific Railroad, which later became Missouri Pacific or MOPAC. Butch started as a Trainman and worked his way up to Conductor status when he retired, after 41 years, in January 2005. He loved working for the Railroad, was dedicated to his job, and formed many Railroad friendships during this time, with lunches and get-togethers continuing after his retirement.

In his mid-30's, Butch married Juanita Hill and they were married for 32 years until her death in 2009. In 2010, Butch was fortunate to find, at age 70, the perfect partner with whom to spend the rest of his life, Linda Darlene (Rutherford) Glover. They were married for 12 years. It was during this time that Butch was baptized at Southwest Church of Christ, by Bro. Bob Stokes, the minister who married them. Bro. Bob and Butch became good friends and Butch became a faithful servant to his Lord and Master. Even though he had only been a Christian a short time and was still learning, Butch would participate in helping serve at the Communion table and whatever else he felt comfortable doing. A few years ago, Butch & Linda started worshipping at the Natalia Church of Christ closer to home in Lytle and developed a deep fondness for this loving and caring "church family". Butch loved his church family, his immediate family, especially all the children with whom he bonded very quickly.

He loved driving his 1919 Model-T Depot Hack, which he inherited from Juanita's father. He got a big thrill out of driving it in parades, going on Model-T tours along with Linda and Butter, his yellow lab. She rode in the front seat next to Butch until Linda came along, and then she had to "take a back seat” but was ok with that just as long as she got to ride.

He also loved his animals, watching the weather and beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Butch always had a firm handshake and a bear hug for anyone he met...it was really hard for him during Covid to refrain from hugging anyone.

He was a gentle man who exhibited concern and empathy for others. Butch supported the Veterans of Foreign Wars and when available would buy a poppy or two from them. He always made it a point that we vote in important elections.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, Linda, are his step-children, Christine M. Glover of Lytle; Justin W. Glover and wife, Sharon, of Natalia; three step-grandchildren, Coleton Martin, Darren Glover and Katelyn Glover; one step-great-granddaughter, Kendall Martin; one sister, Georgiana "Pinky" Shoemaker Starzel and husband, Dave Madison of Denver; two brothers, Lawson Housel "Happy" Shoemaker and his wife, Pat; Joel David Shoemaker; & numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 11:00 am at Primrose Funeral Services, 14822 Main Street, Lytle, Texas 78052 with Preacher Jim Word officiating.

A private burial will follow at Jourdanton City Cemetery in Jourdanton, Texas.

Memorials can be sent to M.A. Assisted Living, 185 CR 679, Natalia, TX. 78059, under MJ "Butch" Shoemaker or Natalia Church of Christ, P.O. Box 209, Natalia, Texas 78059

Anyone wishing to leave condolences, share memories, or sign the guest book may do so at www.primrosefuneralservices.com

Arrangements by Primrose Funeral Services, 14822 Main St., Lytle, Tx. 78052 (830) 709-0698.