Steven E. Shoemaker, 64, of rural Columbia City, died Friday evening, October 23, 2015 at Glenbrook Rehab and Nursing Center, Fort Wayne.

He was born July 10, 1951, in Columbia City, a son of Edgar and Nadine (Heller) Shoemaker. His formative years were spent in Etna Troy Township, Whitley County. He graduated from Columbia City Joint High School where he played basketball and football

On Nov. 6, 1987, he married Christine M. Hapner Simpson. They made their home in Fort Wayne until 1999 when they moved to their home north of Columbia City.

In 2001 Steve retired from Dana Spicer Axle in Fort Wayne with 31 years of service. He owned and operated Shoemaker Excavating until becoming disabled.

Surviving relatives include his wife: Chris; two children: Jennifer Shoemaker, Angola; Joshua Shoemaker, at home; four stepchildren: Shannon Carey, Fort Wayne; Scott Simpson, Mich.; Eric Simpson, Fort Wayne; and Stacy Hakey, Fremont; nine step-grandchildren; and a sister: Karen Shoemaker (David) Smith, Great Falls, Va.

His parents preceded him in death.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 29, at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City with visitation from noon until 2 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. The burial will be in Nolt Cemetery.

Preferred memorials are to American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association.