Mr. Robert Lonzy Shoemaker, 91, of Falling Waters, West Virginia, affectionately known by many as “Sonny” or “Hillbilly” died Monday, October 5, 2026, at Meritus Medical Center, Hagerstown. He was the husband of Mrs. Sherry Ann Cooper Shoemaker, his wife of nearly 50 years.
Born April 21, 1935, in Clear Spring, Sonny was the son of the late Robert Marshall and Rachael Elizabeth Miller Shoemaker. He was raised on his family farm and was very dedicated,, enjoying his work on the family farm.
Sonny retired as a welder with Grove Manufacturing, now Manitowoc Company, Inc., Shady Grove, Pennsylvania, with 27 years of service. Additionally, he worked with Greencastle (Pennsylvania) Livestock Exchange, serving 22 years, leaving following a debilitating injury.
He was a member of the former First Brethren Church, Hagerstown. Later he attended New Life Believers Brethren in Christ Church, Williamsport.
Sonny was a very dedicated, motivated and faithful man.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Christine Eichelberger of Hedgesville, West Virginia; and step sons Timothy and Paul Ausherman, both of Falling Waters; grandchildren J.L. Eichelberger, II, of Hedgesville, Tracey Funk of Martinsburg, Tammy Hinkle of Falling Waters, Charity Diep of Hagerstown, and Holly Rowland of Hedgesville.
Amongst his great grandchildren are Aiden, Hai, Faith, Jasmine, Joshua, Bethany, Destiny and Tiffany; eleven great grandchildren, and his sister, Lanca Lou Mills of Hagerstown; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by sisters Alverta Mellott, Mary Jane Smith and Gloria Mills.
A service to celebrate Sonny’s life will be graveside on Tuesday, October 13, at 10:30 AM, at Rose Hill Cemetery, 600 South Potomac Street. Hagerstown, with Rev. Charles W. “Chuck” Donivan of Full Gospel Pentecostal Church, Martinsburg, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions made in Mr. Shoemaker’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital ( www.stjude.org ), 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, Tennessee 38105.
