Abner Lowell Shoemaker

Abner Lowell Shoemaker was born June 19, 1937 in Tulia, TX to Abner Lowe & Addie Mae (Downs) Shoemaker and passed from this life on June 3, 2023 in his home surrounded by family at the age of 85.

Born in the small town of Tulia, TX Abner was introduced to all things outdoor; everything from fishing and hunting to chores.  I recall him telling us how his brother-in-law Dayle drove him to a large field and placed him atop a combine to help with harvest.  The engine was started, directions given and the promise made that he would return.  Since he only knew how to keep on cutting the field in circles and not how to stop or change course he just kept cutting.  Lunch time came and the tractor was shut off for a brief meal, fired back up and pointed back to task until his next relief.  That is one way to learn how to drive and how to work.  The family moved to Oklahoma in his teens and his education and introduction to work continued.  Abner stated that his brother Jerry first introduced him to concrete work.  He was sure that was not what he wanted to do but he would go on to eventually own his own concrete company and work the jobs until he retired.  As for his extracurricular activities he proved himself successful in most anything he did.  He excelled in bowling, in particular, with three 300 games and introduction into the Bowling Hall of Fame.  We have all heard him talk about his growing interest in golf and his self rumination, “If I bowl at night and I golf in the daytime, when am I going to work?”  Opting to feed his family he stuck with bowling.  Abner served his local church faithfully as a deacon and staunch supporter.  Faith in his God, devotion to his family, jokester, storyteller, and friend to all Abner is going to be greatly missed.

Abner was preceded in death by his parents, Abner Lowe Shoemaker & Addie Mae (Shoemaker) Hutson; his step-father and mentor, Royce Hutson; his sisters, Deliliah Arterburn and Zula Mae Culwell; and his brothers, Freddie Lowe Shoemaker and Jerry Shoemaker.  He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty Christene (Riggs) Shoemaker; his daughter and son-in-law, Cynthia & Tim Johnston; his son and daughter-in-law, Sam & Lisa Shoemaker; his son, Kelly Shoemaker; his son, Wade Shoemaker; 14 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Abner will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 6, at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home.  His funeral will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 7, at the Woodcrest Free Will Baptist Church, 19250 E. Pine Street, Catoosa.  He will be laid to rest at the Dick Duck Cemetery, Catoosa.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Abner’s name be made to The Gideons International at https://www.gideons.org/ or to Catoosa Assembly of God Missions, 200 W Elm St, Catoosa, OK 74015.