Harold O. Shoemaker 89, of Elyria Twp. passed away Sunday March 4, 2012 at EMH Healthcare in Elyria following a short illness. He was born July 29, 1922 in Leipsic, Ohio. Harold began driving truck at age 16, hauling hay and straw from Northwest Ohio to West Virginia and Kentucky. He then served with the U.S. Army from December 1942-1945 in the European Theater for twenty two months. Harold served with General Bradley's staff from June 1944 through December of 1945, and as General J.J. O'Hare's personal driver. He was awarded with the GI European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with Five Bronze Stars. Harold sailed out of New York, NY on The Queen Mary and landed in Glasgow, Scotland six days later. From there he served in England, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and Germany; returning home December 27, 1945. Harold purchased his first semi truck in 1946 and was an owner/operator for seventeen years. He had driven for twenty one years for the former Keeshan Transport who was later purchased by Murphy Motor Freight Lines. Harold received the Two Million Miles Safe Driving Award, and retired from driving in November of 1983. He enjoyed fishing and hunting; and had made several hunting trips to Wyoming to hunt elk, deer and antelope, Canada and Alaska for moose, Michigan and Ohio for deer. He was a member of V.F.W. Post 1079, Amvets Post 32, and the Eagles Club. Survivors include a daughter; Sue E. Gessner (the late Jeff) of Grafton, three sons; Danny B. of Lorain, Todd E. and Larry L. both of Elyria. Additional survivors include nine grandchildren; Amy (Chad), Daniel, Matthew, Jonathan, (Julie), Jacob, Allison, Kaitlyn, Jennifer (Jason), Jessica (Jack), and six great grandchildren, and a sister; Lucille Emmett of Brighton, MI., and his companion; Janice Kline. Harold was preceded in death by his wife Joan (nee: Stock) on October 12, 1999, his parents; James and Cora (nee: Brooks) Shoemaker, a sister; Dora Ellen, and seven brothers; Donard, Serge, James, Herbert, Dick, Bill, Gerald. Friends may call 4-8 PM Wednesday March 7, 2012 at The Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. (at State Rt. 57) Elyria (440)322-4626 where funeral services will be at 1:30 PM Thursday March 8, 2012. Rev. Tom Joyce, Pastor of Fields United Methodist Church will officiate. Burial will be at Brookdale Cemetery in Elyria, Ohio where V.F.W. Post #1079 will provide full military honors. Online condolences can be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com Service: 1:30 PM Thursday March 8, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, Ohio Visitation: 4-8 PM Wednesday March 7, 2012 Laubenthal-Mercado Funeral Home 38475 Chestnut Ridge Rd. Elyria, Ohio