Thomas Shoemaker

Thomas Martin Shoemaker, Sr., 88, of Carlisle, died Thursday, February 22, 2024 at Sarah A. Todd Memorial Home.

Born in Londonderry Township, he was the son of the late Carl and Eleanor (Young) Shoemaker and the husband of 66 years to Pauline (Schlusser) Shoemaker.

Tom was a member of the North Middleton Fire Company and the North Middleton Special Police, the Fraternal Order of Eagles # 129, Carlisle and was an active member of Waggoner's Church, formerly Waggoner's United Methodist Church.

Tom loved riding his motorcycle in his younger days, especially going with Pauline and his friends on weekend excursions. He was a member of the PA Turnpike Ramblers. He also loved to hunt, fish, take walks and sit on his porch swing.

His greatest joy came from spending time with his family. He never missed a game or event for his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children: Linda Gorkes, her husband, Edward, of Ambler, Thomas Shoemaker, Jr., of Carlisle and Tammy Shoemaker, her life partner, Troy Lamason, of Carlisle; his ten grandchildren: Nicholas, Marisa and Madison Gorkes, Ashley Ackerman, her husband, Justin, Jessie White, her husband, Daniel, Dakota Painter, her husband, Ryan, Hunter Starr, her husband, Curtis, Callie Hinderliter, Caleb (Courtney) Lamason and Zachery (Jasmine) Lamason, as well as his thirteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his siblings: Helen Balmer, Ruth Hoffman, Robert Shoemaker and Charles Shoemaker.

Relatives and friends are invited to his funeral service 2 pm Thursday, February 29, at Hoffman Funeral & Cremation, Ltd., 2020 W. Trindle Road, Carlisle, where the family will greet guests after 1 pm prior to the service. Interment will follow in Cumberland Valley Memorial Garden, Carlisle.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Thomas' name may be made to: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 11134 Q Street, Omaha, NE 68137.