John W. Shoemaker, 93, of Newville, passed away on Thursday, July 1, 2010, at Carlisle Regional Medical Center. He was born on Wednesday, January 31, 1917, in Carlisle, and was a son of the late Charles W. and Sarah (Stoner) Shoemaker.

John retired after 35 years service as the projectionist with the Cumberland Drive-In Theater near Newville. He started with the Cumberland Drive-In when it first began operation in 1952. John also had worked as a projectionist for other Carlisle area theaters and also worked at the Midway Bowling Alley, where he serviced the pin setting machines and the lanes. He was an avid gardener, Philadelphia Phillies fan and Washington Redskins fan.

He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Florence L. (Shoff) Shoemaker, a son, Ronnie Shoemaker of Newville, two daughters; Betty (and her husband, Paul) Crider of Newville and Susie (and her husband, Randy) Dick of Boiling Springs, a daughter-in-law, Cathy S. Shoemaker of Carlisle, six grandchildren; Ryan Dick, Paul Crider, Jr., Melissa Camplese, Jennifer McClintock, Brandy Schmick and Shawna Souder, eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by a son, Charles W. "Bill" Shoemaker, a granddaughter, Robin A. Crider and brothers; Raymond, C. Howard, Earl, Robert, Herbert and James Shoemaker.

Funeral services to celebrate John's life will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 6, 2010, in the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home, 630 S. Hanover St., Carlisle with Rev. David Watkins officiating. A viewing will be held on Tuesday from 1 p.m. until time of the services. Burial will be in Cumberland Valley Memorial Gardens, Carlisle.