Marvin Allen Shoemaker, the son of Frank Wesley Shoemaker and Laura Ester (Hudson) Shoemaker, was born June 1, 1935, at the farm home 2 miles south of Narka, Kansas, and passed away Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at the Republic County Hospital at the age of 90.
Marvin grew up in rural Narka, KS, attending Narka Grade School, Albion No. 13 School and graduated from Narka Rural High School in 1953. He then attended Kansas State University, was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity, and obtained a degree in Agricultural Education.
Marvin served with the US Army and later, Army National Guard from 1957 until his discharge in 1963. He was stationed at Ft. Bliss, TX, attaining the rank of SGT E-5 and was involved in the Berlin Crisis.
On April 19, 1958, he was united in marriage to Donna Joyce Line and to this union two children were born, Frank L. and Janet R. The couple made their home in rural Narka, later moving to Belleville upon retirement.
Marvin was a self-employed Farmer and Stockman for 55 years. He was a skilled craftsman with metal and wood, restoring tractors and farm implements, and antique clocks. He found much joy in making wooden candleholders, lamps, and especially toys that delighted his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He worked five years at Precision Dynamics-MC Industries as a material cutter during the winter months.
Marvin was a 73-year member of the Narka Presbyterian Church and a Past Ruling Elder, a member of the Belleville Masonic Lodge #129-AF, Ophel Chapter #115 Eastern Star, and the American Legion Post #345, Cuba, Kansas. Marvin served as a member of the Republic County Extension Council, and the Ida Cemetery Board. He served 50 plus years as Albion Township Treasurer and board representative to the NCK Fair Board. He loved to sing bass in various men's quartets and in later years, with the "Ten Pieces" Gospel singing group. As a man of faith, Marvin followed Biblical teachings as a guide in leading his family and teaching them to serve and follow the Lord.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank W. and Laura E. Shoemaker; his wife Donna J. Shoemaker; great grandsons, Kyler Allen and Brantly Ethan Shoemaker; great granddaughter Ashley Faith Shoemaker; brother, Paul F. Shoemaker; sister, Margaret J. Baetz; and brothers-in-law, Robert J. Baetz and Duane L. Line.
Marvin is survived by his son, Frank L. (Lynette) Shoemaker of Marysville, KS; daughter, Janet R. (Abe) Fisher of McDonald, KS; 5 grandchildren, Laura (Mark) Fincham, Rex (Kaitlyn) Shoemaker, Caleb Fisher and fiancée Marianne Corbett, Connor Fisher and Creighton Fisher; 8 great grandchildren, Jaxon, Afton, Emery, & Anika Fincham, and Aaron, Mashea, Addyson, & Raleigh Shoemaker; sisters-in-law, Sylvia Shoemaker and Rosalie Line; other relatives, and friends.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Narka Presbyterian Church, Narka, Kansas, with Pastor Phil Goombi, officiating.
Interment will follow at the Ida Cemetery, rural Munden, Kansas with Military Graveside Rites by the Ft. Riley Honor Guard, Ft. Riley, KS
Visitation and viewing will be from 1 PM until 7 PM, Thursday, February 19, 2026, at the Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, Belleville, where the family will greet friends from 5 PM until 7 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Republic County Hospital and may be left at the funeral home or mailed to Bachelor-Surber, P.O. Box 326, Belleville, KS 66935.
Online condolences at www.bachelor-surber.com
Bachelor-Surber Funeral Home, 1322 19th Street, Belleville, KS is assisting the family.