Obituary of Richard David Shoemaker

Richard David Shoemaker, called Captain Jack by neighbors' children and first named by orphans (Old Fellows Home, Sunbury), won support from sorority Kappa Alpha Theta to host these children on campus, Penn State University during his college years. He graduated with Bachelor's degree in journalism in 1971. He enjoyed helping all explore, be positive and become self-confident – carrying this into several professions and as a neighbor. With his life insurance agency in State College begun in 1971, he earned the Million Dollar Round Table award twice. During this time he served in Air Force Reserves, Medic in Viet Nam, with honorable discharge in 1973. He developed PC Users Group in 1985-92 with newsletter and annual conferences to help Epson owners learn this new technology with shared experience and construct their own computers. He contributed articles to journal Life Insurance Selling while promoting computer applications in 1980's and was a financial consultant, 1978-2005. He created Beagle911 in 2005 to rescue beagles, their kindred, mixes and stray pups, and was most happy with his fosters and friends as the pups found homes and love. Richard died at age 70 in State College, Wednesday, February 28, 2018, at home. Born November 24, 1947, in Bryn Mawr, he was the son of the late Frank and Mary Eva Kuller Shoemaker. On January 5, 1985 in Alexandria, Virginia, Dick married Elizabeth Walters, who survives him and credits him as her soul mate and anchor. Memorial contributions may be directed to Beagle911 via Metzger Animal Hospital 1044 Benner Pike State College, PA 16801, in memory of Richard David Shoemaker. Summer celebration of his life will be announced via Beagle911@petfinders.com. Facebook has lovely remembrances of Richard. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.