Robert Norman Shoemaker, 93, passed away peacefully in his home on July 26, 2018. He was born on June 4, 1925 in Lyndall, Utah to Robert and Lena Shoemaker.
After high school, Bob joined the Marines and proudly served in World War II. Along with being a cattle rancher, Bob was a Colorado State Representative from 1974 to 1986 and again from 1992-93. He was known for his ability as a key consensus builder, for his quick wit and unique way of speaking. As a legislator, he worked on many issues with special focus on the Department of Corrections. He wrote the statute creating what is now Colorado Correctional Industries. He served on the Colorado State Board of Parole as well as the Colorado Wildlife Commission. He was active and held numerous offices in Fremont County and Colorado Cattlemen’s Association.
In 1988, Bob and Helen were awarded the National Endowment for Soil and Water Conservation. He was a Mason for more than 50 years. He and Helen were inducted into Pueblo Community College’s Hall of Fame in 2013 for their significant contributions to this college. Bob was always interested in his community, state and world events.
Bob was outgoing, fun loving and never met a stranger. He was a cowboy who lived by the Code of the West. He loved competitive roping, hunting, and always had at least one favorite horse. He and Helen danced many a mile to the country music he loved.
He was a great artist who created bronze sculptures in a variety of genres, but most were western themes.
He loved traveling. He especially loved his trip to Tanzania, Africa at the age of 88.
Bob was very proud of his long marriage to Helen, their children and families. He is survived by his wife Helen; the couple celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary in February. She remains in the family home in Garden Park. He is also survived by his four children and their spouses, Wayne (Sonja) Shoemaker, Janice (Jerry) Zeiler, Joan Shoemaker (Robert Taylor), and Kathleen Shoemaker (Bruce Bowman); nine grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Julia Shoemaker and Doris Shoemaker as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorial service, 10:00 a.m. Friday, August 10, 2018, United Presbyterian Church, 701 Macon Avenue, Canon City, Colorado 81212. In lieu of flowers, you may send donations in his name to Colorado Cattlemen’s Association Endowment Trust Fund, 8833 Ralston Road, Arvada, CO 80002.
Services have been entrusted to Wilson Family Funeral Home. Online condolences, www.holtfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
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