PORT ROYAL: Wilbur L. 'Wib' Shoemaker, 90, of 413 Main St., Port Royal, died at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, 2009, at Brookline Manor, Mifflintown.
Born August 10, 1918, in Lewistown, he was the son of the late Philip R. and Francis (Henry) Shoemaker. His wife, Helen (Ernest) Shoemaker, whom he married July 27, 1940, survives.
He also is survived by one daughter, Linda K. O'Brien and husband William 'Bill', of Port Royal; two grandsons, Scott E. Bretz and wife Linda, of Wheaton, Ill., and John L. Bretz and wife Melissa 'Missy', of Port Royal; four great-grandchildren; three nieces; one nephew and a sister, Marcella Harpster, of Ohesson Manor, Lewistown.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Philip R. Jr. and Jay E. Shoemaker, Sr.; one sister, Betty L. Elmer; and a great-granddaughter, Morgan R. Bretz.
He was a member of Union Lodge No. 324 F.&A.M., Mifflintown; Scottish Rite and Zembo Shrine, of Harrisburg. He was a past president of Perry-Juniata Shrine Club, and a member of Tall Cedars of Lebanon Juniata Forest No. 88. He recently received recognition for 53 years of service from Supreme Council 33rd degree Scottish Rite.
Mr. Shoemaker had worked for the Viscose Corp., Lewistown, Standard Steel Corp., Burnham, a former co-owner of Spruce Hill Lunch, Spruce Hill; a former co-owner of 'Shoemaker's Concessions' at Port Royal Speedway. He also was a self-employed contractor known for his painting, wallpapering and carpentry.
He was a 1935 graduate of the Lewistown High School and was a United States Army veteran of World War II.
Wib was a member of the Port Royal Lutheran Church; was past president and lifetime member of Lion's Club International, Port Royal; the NRA and the Juniata County Sportsman's Assn.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, at Rex Funeral Home, 308 Market St., Port Royal, with the Rev. Charles L. Hershberger and Vicki Elmer officiating. Interment will be at the convenience of the family in the New Church Hill Cemetery, Port Royal.
A visitation will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13, at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Port Royal Lutheran Church, PO Box 267, Port Royal, PA 17082.
