Shoemaker, Rodney W.
Rodney W. Shoemaker, a native of Albuquerque for 87 years, began his heavenly life with Jesus on August 16, 2016, with family by his side. Rodney was born October 27, 1928, in Albuquerque, NM on the kitchen table in an adobe home his father built. Rodney graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1946, and attended UNM, which forever held a special place in his heart. In 1955 he married the love of his life, Beverly Sue Hazel after dating for only 8 months. Rodney was the Senior Vice President of Albuquerque Federal Savings & Loan, having worked his way to that position after starting his career in the banking business as a janitor. He retired after 40+ years in the banking and finance industry.
Rodney was on the Board, was Chairman of, or President of 42 City, State, and National Organizations, including Chairman of United Way, President of Albuquerque Kiwanis, Chairman of UNICEF, Chairman of Camp Enchantment for children with cancer, President of the Optimist Club, and Exalted Ruler of the Elks Club. He was on the board of Albuquerque Economic Development and Industrial Foundation, he served on the US Savings and Loan League Board for 22 years, and the Albuquerque Citizens Committee President of the Albuquerque Boys Club. He was a member of the New Mexico Amigos, Chairman of the UNM Tucker Golf Tournament, President of UNM Alumni Association, President of the UNM Presidential Scholarship Board, he was an Honorary UNM Letterman, and most near and dear to his heart, he was the President of the UNM Lobo Club and was an Honorary Lifetime Member. He has received numerous honors and awards for his dedication to community service.
He served in the U.S. Naval Reserves for 8 years, and was a deputy sheriff in his younger years. He sang in the Albuquerque Boys Choir and ran track for UNM.
Rodney was a dedicated husband of 60 years, taught his daughters how to fish, shoot guns, play basketball, play softball, to dream big and believe in themselves, and most importantly how to live a Christian Life. Rodney was a wonderful, dedicated, and gentle Granddaddy to his two grandchildren; he shared his passion of golf with them, and was their biggest fan, attending numerous soccer and basketball games cheering them on and maybe did a little yelling at the refs on their behalf. He was on the crew of a nationally competitive Hot Air Balloon team with his family and was an avid golfer. He was a dedicated Lobo Club fundraiser and attended countless football and basketball games, following his beloved Lobos wherever they traveled. Rodney was witty, honest, and dedicated to his friends and family. He is now free and golfing with Jesus on the most heavenly golf courses, praising God, and setting tee times for those who will follow. He is preceded in death by his parents J.C. and Ledah Shoemaker, his in-laws Sue and W. A. McCollum, and his brother-in-law Jack Grimes. He is survived by his wife, Beverly Sue Hazel Shoemaker of 60 years, his daughter Pam and husband Danny Cox, his daughter Trish and husband Gary D. Bennett, grandchildren Ryley T and Joshua Matthew Bennett, his brother Don and wife Fran Shoemaker, Sister Clara Grimes, and several nephews and nieces.
Services will take place on September 9th at Oasis Family Church, time pending, and will be announced in the near future. To celebrate his life and his desire to serve others, in lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to your favorite charity or one of his. In order to honor him, and at his request, his family has established the Rod Shoemaker Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of New Mexico. Should friends desire, memorial contributions can be mailed to the UNM Foundation, Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd., NE, Albuquerque NM 87102 or made online at https://www.unmfund.org/online-giving (Please include a note to direct the donations to the Rod Shoemaker Memorial Scholarship).