John A. Shoemaker

Enumclaw resident John A. Shoemaker, 90, died Nov. 23, 2014. He had lived in the area 41 years.

He was born June 29, 1924, in Bellingham, Wash., the youngest of nine children born to Andrew and Sophie Shoemaker. He grew up on a small farm in Whatcom County, enlisted in the U.S. Navy on June 26, 1944, and served as a member of the legendary “Fighting Seabees” in the Pacific Theater during World War II, most notably on Guam. He was honorably discharged on Feb. 3, 1946. He returned to Pacific Northwest and became a member of the Seattle Fire Department, where he would work until 1973. In 1947 he met Elizabeth Ann (Bette) O’Day in Seattle and they married on June 12, 1948. He was an avid hunter and fisherman.

He is survived by sons John (Billie) and Mark (LeAnn); daughter Kim (Russ); daughter-in-law Karen; nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son Greg (also a firefighter) in 1995 and wife Bette in 2004.

A funeral service took place Nov. 28 at Weeks’ Enumclaw Funeral Home.

Remembrances may be made to King County Medic One, 7064 S. 220th St., Bldg. 9, Kent, Wash. 98032.

Services were by Weeks’ Enumclaw Funeral Home. All may sign the online guest book at www.weeksfuneralhomes.com.