William David Deacon Dave Shoemake

William David Shoemake (Deacon Dave)

William David Shoemake of Belton, Texas passed away peacefully at 1:20 am, Wednesday, January 2, 2019 at Scott and White Hospital after a short, brave fight with cancer.

Born in Port Arthur, Texas July 9, 1941 to Walter and Martha Shoemake, Dave proudly served his country as a medical lab technician for 6 years as a sergeant in the U.S. Army while stationed in Germany and Ft. Riley, Kansas during the Vietnam War.

Dave valued education and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Houston Baptist University in 1972 and his Master of Science degree in Healthcare Management from the University of Beverly Hills in 1980.  He used that education to propel a dedicated, successful 38-year career that began in the lab as a technician at the VA Hospital in Houston, Tx. He worked his way into administration as the associate chief of staff in San Antonio, Tx., and then moved on after 14 years to become the assistant director at the VA Hospital in Erie, Pa. for 3 years as well as 3 years in New York City. Dave retired from his 38-year career as a hospital administrator, and his last assignment was with the VA Hospital in Temple, Tx.

After retiring, he was free to pursue his passion for education, and he began teaching AP Biology and Chemistry at Copperas Cove High School. Dave continued teaching and substitute teaching until his passing. He loved making a difference in young people’s lives, and this was highlighted in the classroom and in his love for refereeing high school basketball.

Dave (Dat as he was lovingly known by his grandchildren) loved his family above all else especially his wife Elaine as they were inseparable. He lived for his grandchildren and his church community, Christ the King Catholic Church where he was a deacon. He was ordained in 1979 at the San Fernando Cathedral in San Antonio, Tx., and he touched so many lives through his faith as a deacon for 39 years as well as through his commitment to the Knights of Columbus as a 4 ^th Degree Knight.

Deacon Dave is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Elaine Knesek Shoemake, his daughter Robin Hanssen and son-in-law Robert Hanssen, their children Tanner and Makenna of San Antonio, Tx.; his daughter Kerry Steele and son-in-law Justice Steele; his grandchildren Erin Choats and husband Tyler Choats, Braden Frantz, Payton King, Torren King; his brothers Walter Shoemake and Rodger Shoemake.

Funeral services with Mass will be held on Saturday, January  5, 2019, at 10:00 AM at Christ the King Catholic Church in Belton with Father John Kim officiating.  A Rosary will be recited at 7 PM on Friday evening at the Dossman Funeral Home Chapel with Deacon Armando Aguirre officiating.  The family will receive friends for visitation at 6 PM before the Rosary on Friday.   A private family entombment will follow the services at the Guardian Angel Catholic Cemetery in Wallis, Texas.