Arthur Ross Shoemaker

Arthur Ross Shoemaker, the longtime resident of Hominy, Oklahoma, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Sunday, January 15, 2017, in Pawhuska, Oklahoma at the age of 94 years old.

Art was born November 14, 1922, in San Antonio, Texas. He was the son of Arthur Garfield and Anne Everett (Cross) Shoemaker. Art grew up and attended school in Laredo, Texas. He later graduated from Martin High School. Following high school Art attended Texas Tech University and was a member of the Red Raider Marching Band. In January of 1943, Art was drafted into the service of his country and was a part of the U.S. Army Air Corp. He served his time and later discharged in November of 1945. Corporal Arthur Shoemaker returned stateside to Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Upon his return, Art gained employment teaching agriculture to returning veterans.

Art then accepted employment with Texaco. He was united in marriage to the love of his life Peggy Sue Lawson on June 10, 1949, in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. The couple resided in several different places in Oklahoma as well as Kansas before calling Hominy, Oklahoma their home in 1961. Art continued working with Texaco and retired in 1985. At his retirement, he was the field production superintendent.

Art was a train and history enthusiast. He loved the time he was able to volunteer at the MKT Depot in Hominy. Being the curator at the museum was an enjoyable time for Art and being able to share his knowledge with others about the history of the rail system. Mr. Shoemaker also spent many hours at the Marlin Gas Station in Hominy. Art was a published author of “The Road to Marble Halls” about The Henry Grammer Saga. He also wrote articles for the True West Magazine, Oklahoma Today, Chronicles of Oklahoma and was a book reviewer for The Tulsa World. Art was a member of the Kiwanis Club, Hominy Chamber of Commerce, Hominy Heritage Association, former Hominy School Board Member serving as president as well as Sunday School Superintendent and longtime member of the First United Methodist Church. Art had a passion for his church and teaching other about the history around them. He was recognized for his findings and research in 2016 as a Hero and Legend of Osage County. Art was integral part and locator of the Battle of Chustenahlah a Civil War battle site located in Osage County.

Survivors are his daughter Kathy and her husband John Beltz of Houston, Texas; three grandchildren Matthew and his wife Melissa Beltz of Houston, Texas; Phillip Beltz and his wife Tania of Houston, Texas, Sadie Shoemaker of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma; two great-granddaughters Madison and Morgan Beltz as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Art was preceded in death by his parents, wife Peggy, and his son Ross Shoemaker.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Thursday at the First United Methodist Church in Hominy, Oklahoma with Rev. Claudia Lovelace officiating. Burial will follow in the A. J. Powell Memorial Cemetery under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home. Friends may share a memory with the family at the funeral home Wednesday evening from 5 pm till 7 pm or online at www.chapman-black.com.