Obituary— Richard Donald Shoemake
On the morning of May 28, 2022, Richard Donald (Don) Shoemake, of Van Horn, TX., passed away at the age of 78.
Don was born to Elva and Elvin Shoemake on October 30, 1943, in San Diego, California. He was the oldest of three children.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant son, James Robert Shoemake.
On October 5, 1990, he married Evangelina (Vangie) Santa Cruz in Van Horn Texas, where they resided until his passing.
Don will be remembered by his wife of 31 years, Vangie; daughter, Elizabeth (Lane) Brewster; brothers, David (Shirley) Shoemake, Timothy (Jennifer) Shoemake; grandchildren, Justin and Richard Bragg, Desirae (Chance) Clark; grandchildren Logan and Russell. Extended family, Jaimie (Sandra) Santa Cruz; Laura Santa Cruz Allen, Caesar (Beatrice) Santa Cruz and Jesse Santa Cruz; 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins and a host of longtime friends.
Don had the heart of a true Cowboy and had a passion for the outdoors. He enjoyed riding his horse, hunting and exploring the vast West Texas landscape. He was always ready to take his friends and family on their next adventure, whether hunting deer, tracking hogs or mountain lions with dogs. Of course, this provided him with good stories to tell. Eventually, Don had to trade his horse and adventurous exploring for his electric scooter. He now had a new way of transportation and his companion was his chiweenie dog. His first companion, Buddy, went with him everywhere, even before he got his scooter. After Buddy died, Vangie found Don another companion, Punkin’, and yes it was another chiweenie. He and his faithful companion could be seen on the scooter traveling around the area. In the early morning on Saturday, May 28, 2022, Don stepped from this earthly adventure into the next greatest adventure, that eventually all of us will share. We can definitely say Don has ridden into the last West Texas sunset and we say to Don, “Until we Meet Again”.
A Memorial Service will be scheduled at a later date. Services are entrusted to Heritage Funeral Home of Van Horn.
If you wish to honor Don, please make a donation to a charity of your choice.
