Arthur Sylvester Shoemaker

Arthur Sylvester Shoemaker of Indianapolis passed away Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the age of 97. Born April 25, 1918 in Jackson, Michigan, Arthur enlisted in the US Navy in 1939. He survived Pearl Harbor aboard the USS Whitney (AD-4), and spent the rest of World War II in the Pacific. Arthur earned a commission towards the end of WWII, and retired from the US Navy as a Lieutenant Commander.

Art worked at Meridian Mutual Insurance. Upon retirement, he took a job as a school bus driver for the Washington Township school district, and moonlighted as Santa Claus at Glendale mall. He was an avid fisherman, loved to bowl and play cards. Gregarious, warm and witty, he was beloved by all who knew him.

He is survived by: his four daughters, Barbara Robinette, Diane Larsen, Sandy Shoemaker, Sally Bova; his son-in-laws, Wayne Larsen and Joe Bova; his five grandsons, James Lakes, Trevor and Nick Larsen, Anthony and Alex Bova; his granddaughter Kathy Cook; and his two great-grandsons Evan and Eric Cook.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Northminster Presbyterian Church at 2 p.m. with calling one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.