Carol Jean (Stayton) Shoemaker, 78, of Argos, IN, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday April 23, 2025 at home with her husband, George by her side.

Carol was born on December 25, 1946 in Argos, IN to Willard “Pete” and Virginia (Hessler) Stayton. She grew up in Argos until her junior year, when her parents moved to a small farm in Plymouth. Carol graduated from Plymouth High School in 1964. On June 19, 1965, Carol married George Shoemaker at First Baptist Church in Argos. She and George would have celebrated their 60th anniversary this year. In 1976, George and Carol sold their farm in Tippecanoe and moved to Lynchburg, VA, where George attended Bible School. Carol was instrumental in supporting George through college by helping type his term papers. For 44 years Carol served alongside George as he pastored churches in Cranesville, PA at Cranesville Bible Church; Ft. Wayne, IN at Winchester Road Baptist Church; Talma, IN at Talma Bible Church; and Tippecanoe, IN at Tippecanoe Community Church. Carol was outgoing and friendly. She was a devoted, stay-at-home mother and loving wife.

Left to cherish Carol’s memory are her husband, George; her daughter, Kristi (David) Yoder of Claypool, IN; her sons: Michael (Laura) Shoemaker of Argos, IN; James (Rebekah) Shoemaker of Columbia City, IN; her grandchildren: Joanna and Jennifer Yoder of Claypool, IN; Julianne; Michael, Jr.; Rachael; Gloria; and Carolynn Shoemaker of Argos, IN; and Kaleb Shoemaker of Columbia City, IN; her brother, William (Ruth) Stayton of Plymouth, IN; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents; her sisters: Mary Stayton Cooper; Sandra Stayton York; and her brother, Lynn Stayton.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Tippecanoe Community Church (2920 18B Rd., Tippecanoe, IN).

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor David Shoemaker officiating.

The burial will take place in Walnut Church of the Brethren Cemetery (5975 19th Road, Argos, IN 46501).

Memorial donations may be made in Carol’s honor to Tippecanoe Community Church (2920 18B Rd., Tippecanoe, IN).

Thank you to all our friends and community for your support during this difficult time.

Deaton-Clemens Funeral Home wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the Shoemaker family and is honored to be providing our services in celebrating the life of Carol. Friends are invited to sign the online guest book and share memories with the family at: www.deatonclemensfh.com.