Darrell Leon Shoemaker Jr.

Darrell Leon Shoemaker Jr., known as J.R. Shoemaker, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2021, following injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

JR was born on July 19, 1989, to Darrell Leon Shoemaker and Cynthia Elizabeth Cruse. He graduated from Galena High School with the Class of 2007. For the past four years, he had worked as a machine builder for Oasis Car Wash Systems in Galena, Kan. He enjoyed racing, especially hot rods, as well as fishing and spending time with his boys.

He is survived by his father, Darrell Leon Shoemaker (wife, Susie) of Galena; his mother, Cynthia (Cruse) Albers (husband, Gary) of Galena; three sons, Bryce Lee Anthony Shoemaker, and his twin sons, Luke James Shoemaker and Landyn Kristopher Shoemaker all of the home; their mother, Nina Lee Kunce; a stepson, Izac McDermott of the home; four brothers, Christopher Allan Cruse (wife, Kasey) of Myersville, Md., Andy Gooden (wife, Tera) of Miami, Okla., Caleb Albers of Springfield, Mo., and Jesse Albers of Mount Vernon, Mo.; two sisters, Stephanie Shoemaker (wife, Samantha) of Joplin, Mo., and Angela Renteria of Galena, Kan.; girlfriend, Afton Hartley of the home; aunt and uncle, David and Melissa Forsythe of Alba, Mo.; aunt and uncle, James and Danielle Cruse of Galena; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by one daughter, Aubrey Chevelle Shoemaker; and his grandparents, Darrell Shoemaker and Katherine Shoemaker, and Jim Cruse and Beth Cruse.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 9, at Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena. Pastor Audie Tash will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Galena, Kan.

Visitation will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., Monday, Nov. 8, at Derfelt Funeral Home of Galena.

Memorial contributions may be made to a fund titled “Shoemaker Boys” for the future use of his sons. Donations may be made in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.derfeltfuneralhomes.com.