Carl Robert Shoemaker, Jr.

Rock Island, TN resident and Lafayette, IN native Carl Robert Shoemaker, Jr., age 79, was born June 28, 1947 and died September 17, 2026 at St. Thomas Midtown following an extended illness.

A retired truck driver with A.C. Hills Transportation, U.S. Marine Corps veteran and member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he was the son of the late Carl Robert Shoemaker, Sr. and Beatrice Madlung Shoemaker Peaten. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by step-father, Paul Otis Peaten; son, Jedediah Shoemaker and half-brother, Michael Shoemaker.

Mr. Shoemaker graduated from East Hipp High School in Lafayette, IN and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. He received an honorable discharge following a train accident while home on leave. He worked at Alcoa Aluminum from 1968 until 1981 before moving with his family to Houston, TX. After two years in Houston, the family moved to San Jacinto County, TX in the National Forest area, where they remained until their children finished high school. In 1996, he and his wife moved to the Rock Island area, where they made their home. Mr. Shoemaker spent 40 years in the trucking industry and continued driving until his illness forced him from the road.

He had a lifelong passion for motorcycles and truck driving, enjoyed the outdoors and took great pride in grooming and maintaining his yard. He was known for his great sense of humor, storytelling and love of making people laugh. Mr. Shoemaker was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1976 and remained a faithful member. Despite his battle with leukemia, he continued riding his motorcycle through this year, with his final ride being for Back to the Strip.

He was married to Alma Bouldin Shoemaker of Rock Island, TN on September 21, 1968. In addition to his wife, Mr. Shoemaker is survived by children, Carrie Lynn Shoemaker of Spring, TX and Paul Shoemaker of Rock Island, TN; grandchildren, Robert Floyd Apgar, Anthony Thomas (Tatum) Willingham, Kyle (Shelby) Winton Shoemaker and Erin Shay (Ethan) Shoemaker-Boyd; 10 great-grandchildren; half-sisters, Teresa Bush and Carlena Shoemaker, both of Lafayette, IN; half-brother, Scott Shoemaker of Hudson, FL and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, September 24, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with Justin Caten to officiate. Burial will follow at Crain Hill Cemetery in Van Buren County, TN. Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at High’s.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Caring Hearts United.

The family would like to thank Tennessee Oncology and the staff at St. Thomas River Park and St. Thomas Midtown for their care.

Online condolences may be left at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.