Lowell Thomas Shoemaker

Our beloved Pop, Lowell Thomas Shoemaker, went to be with Jesus peacefully in his sleep on October 24, 2018 six days after his 83^rd birthday. ONE OF A KIND doesn\'t do him justice. Born in Canal Point, Florida to Thomas Keithly and Evelyn Shoemaker, he remembered his childhood as a preacher\'s kid with great fondness, especially his time spent living in East Tennessee, as well as Illinois, Florida and Louisiana. He fell in love at first sight with \"his Jessie\", and convinced her to marry him - which they did at the ripe old age of 19. After graduating from LSU with a degree in architecture, they settled in Shreveport. Shortly afterward, Carol came along, followed by Mark and Keith. In addition to his architectural practice where he was a partner, he was involved with the Kiwanis Club, serving a term as president. His two greatest passions, however, were his faith and his family. He loved both intensely. Music leader, choir member, church board member, Sunday School and Bible study teacher, student of the Word, prayer warrior, rescue mission, prison ministry, missions trips to Russia--he answered the call and was a faithful servant of the Lord and of others. He was a PEOPLE PERSON and would strike up a conversation with anyone in his path, which took him to a myriad of places - most of the 50 states and several foreign countries. He and his family traveled extensively in the powder blue Dodge Polara station wagon (possibly one of the most homely vehicles ever conceived), sometimes without air conditioning. Yet he believed in enjoying the journey--corn nuts and chocolate soldier drinks in hand. When the grandchildren started coming, he found more ways to have fun. He bought a tractor supposedly for himself but it was really to give them joyrides. Same with his collection of toy cars! Laughter was his constant companion, corny jokes a staple in his repertoire, opinions galore, and love in abundance. What a heritage of faith and joy he left us. He has had a grand heavenly reunion with his parents; sisters, Martha Stover and Marie McLuhan; brother, Donald; and brothers-in-law, Frank Rowe and Murwyn Stover. Waiting for our turn to join him are his treasured wife of 63 years, Jessie; daughter, Carol Johnson and husband Bob with their children BJ (Kristy) and Katie (Peter); son Mark and wife Rebecca with their children Jessica and Holly; and son Keith with his children Michael (Ramsey), Jonathan (Kristi) and Caleb. Great-grands Carolynn, Abbigale, Madelynn, Nikki, Luke, namesakes Elizabeth Lowell and Eli Thomas, and newborn Lucy round out the immediate \"tribe\" that was his delight. His sister Evanelle Buser (Fred), nieces, nephews, and in-laws also remember him with love and affection. Thank you, Pop, for your godly and loving example. You have now heard the words \"Well done, good and faithful servant.\" Thank you to every person who came to visit him even though he may not have known you and to all who prayed for us on this journey. And to our \"angel in scrubs\" at The Oaks, Shalonda Doty, special gratitude for the blessing you have been to our family. In lieu of flowers, donations to the rescue mission, the Gideons, or a missions project of your choice would be appreciated. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 27, 2018 at Rose-Neath Southside Chapel. Entombment will follow at Forest Park West Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Friday, October 26, 2018 at the funeral home.