Gerald \ V. Shoemaker

Gerald Vernon Shoemaker, 91 of Asheville passed away August 24, 2013. He was born March 5, 1922, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, and was the son of the late J. Paul and Stella Phillips Shoemaker. After high school Mr. Shoemaker served in the U.S. Air Force during World War II. Mr. Shoemaker owned and operated IGA grocery stores in Alexandria, Virginia. He retired as a butcher for Safeway grocery store. He enjoyed fishing and wood working. Jerry was a loving father, grandfather and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years Colleen V. Shoemaker; three brothers, John Paul Shoemaker, Guy P. Shoemaker, and James W. Shoemaker. Mr. Shoemaker is survived by a son, Dennis J. Shoemaker and wife Kelly of Asheville; two granddaughters, Jessica Ford and husband Scott of Asheville and Melissa Shoemaker of Asheville; three grandsons, Jonathan Shoemaker of Durham, Justin Shoemaker of Asheville, and Matthew Shoemaker of Asheville; two great-grandchildren, Hayden Grace Weaver of Asheville and Lucas Ford of Asheville. A celebration of life service will be held at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2013 in the Chapel of West Funeral Home with Pastor Ken Roberts officiating. Burial will be in Fairfax Memorial Park, Fairfax, VA. In lieu of flowers a memorial contribution may be made to Hospice Fund, Charles George VAMC, 1100 Tunnel Road, Asheville, NC 28805 For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Mr. Shoemaker's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com.