John Randel Shoemaker, 91

John Randel Shoemaker, 91, of Belton, MO, formerly of Sedalia, died Sunday, January 3, 2016 at Tallgrass Creek in Overland Park, KS.

Born January 5, 1924 in rural Henry County, MO John was the son of the late Owen Lynn and Jewell Randel Shoemaker. He graduated from high school in Versailles in 1941.  John entered the School of Agriculture Engineering at the University of Missouri in the fall of 1941. He was drafted into the Navy in 1944, serving as an Electricians Mate on the aircraft carrier U.S.S.  Windham Bay.  After his service, he returned and married Aileen Lamae Gregory on June 4, 1947. He also resumed studies at Mizzou graduating with a B.S. in Agriculture in February of 1949.

After graduation, he worked with several companies in the Midwest including Rilco Laminated Products, Ford Tractor, Viking Manufacturing, Behlen Manufacturing and eventually settling in Sedalia, MO as a territory manager for Butler Manufacturing of Kansas City. He retired in 1988 after many years of being a top performer and winning numerous sales achievement awards including Salesman of the Year. He was able to excel in his business life while being a supportive, loving husband and an involved father.

John loved to spend free time fishing, woodworking and being a doting grandfather. He was a member of First Baptist Church where he served on various committees and was also a very active member of Sunrise Optimist Club. He was a member of the Sedalia Rotary Club, Knife and Fork Club and delivered Meals on Wheels. In 2005 he moved to Carnegie Village in Belton, MO to be closer to family.

Surviving are a son, Jeffery Shoemaker (Terri) of Leawood, KS, a brother, Robert Shoemaker of Clinton, MO and three grandchildren, Sarah Wessel (Travis), Joseph Shoemaker and Johnny Shoemaker. He was preceded in death by his wife Aileen, a son Gregory Shoemaker, a brother Edward Shoemaker, and two sisters, Shirley Eberting and Mary Ann Perrin.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 7, 2016 at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel 519 South Ohio, Sedalia, MO  65301.  Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church or Sedalia Sunrise Optimist Club, in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.