Dateline: Alton

Ronald "Whitey" Eugene Shoemaker, 74, died at 7:36 p.m. Monday, October 2, 2017 at OSF St. Anthony's Health Center in Alton. Born October 16, 1942 in Wood River, he was the son of Johney L. and Dorothy (Johnson) Shoemaker. Ronald was a member of the Moro Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed cars, horses and his family. He was a detailer for multiple dealerships for many years before being an Over the Road Truck Driver for 30 years retiring from Callaway Carriers in Kingdom City in January of 2010. On October 15, 1977 he married the former Phyllis Cooper in Moro, IL. She survives. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Glen Shoemaker and two sisters, Rosemary Flowers and Cheryl Shoemaker. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until time of funeral service at 12:00 noon Friday, October 6, 2017 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton. Pastor George Van Voorhis will officiate. Burial will be at Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto. Memorials may be made to Parkside Presbyterian Church or the Moro Presbyterian Church. Online guest book and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com