by the USTA Communications Department

Columbus, OH — Lee Edward Shoemaker 81, of Good Hope, Ohio, passed away Monday (Jan. 9).

Shoemaker was a former member of the Fayette County Horsemen’s Association, was honored as that organization’s Horseman of the Year and a United States Trotting Association member.

He owned and trained several horses for over 45 years out of the Washington Court House Fairgrounds.

Shoemaker proudly served his country in the US Army and loved to hunt and fish, as well as spend time with his family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Armanis Shoemaker, sisters, Louise Moberly and Martha Jane Watson.

Shoemaker’s survivors include his wife, Shirley Sollars Shoemaker, whom he married on March 22, 1980; his children, Jeff Underwood, Jodi (Bruce) Klontz, Tai Lea Shoemaker, and Edward (Debbie) Ward; grandchildren, Caeleb Reisinger, Heath Klontz, and Makaila “Sassy” (Zack) Bennett; great-grandchildren, Keira Klontz, Kyleigh Klontz, Krosbi Kyle Liam Bennett, Dylan Fouch, Megan Fouch, Nicholas Smith; siblings, Milton (Gussie) Shoemaker, Juanita Rhoads; niece and nephew, Mindy (Mike) Callahan, and Michael Templin, along with many other nieces, nephews and cousins; sister-in-law’s, Susan Templin, Patsy (Jim) Free, Peggy (David) Bach; special friends, John and Phyllis Hill, Steve and Connie Moore and sons, Donnie Curtain, Gerald and Hilda Downs, Michael and Angie Reisinger; The boys of The Fayette County Horse Barns: Sandy Beatty, Lee Michael, Dusty Joseph, Robert Allen Haynes, The Allis Boys and Noel Boys, as well as his extended church family.

A Celebration of Life Service was held on Saturday (Jan. 14) at the Bible Baptist Temple.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bible Baptist Temple, 4361 SR 41 NW, Washington Court House, Ohio, 43160.

Online condolences may be sent to www.summersfuneralhome.com.

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