Bobby Gene Shoemaker, 68, of Mt. Vernon, Illinois passed away at 9:15 P.M. on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at St. Mary Good Samaritan Hospital in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. He was born on February 24, 1943 in Mt. Vernon, Illinois the son of Kenneth R. and Lois June (Duncan) Shoemaker, Sr. He married Anita Browder on March 6, 1987 in Tucson, AZ and she preceded him in death in 2000. Surviving family members include his daughter: Connie Sue Shoemaker of Colorado; mother: Lois June Shoemaker of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; Sister: Patricia "Pat" Benson of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; 2 nieces: Joy Presley of Mt. Vernon, Illinois and Wendy Potts and husband Leonard of Murphysboro, Illinois; 1 nephew: Kenneth R. Shoemaker, III of Texas. His father, brother: Kenneth R. Shoemaker, Jr., grandparents and several aunts and uncles preceded him in death Mr. Shoemaker was retired from the City of Mt. Vernon as a maintenance worker. He served 8 years in the Air Force during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, VFW, American Legion, Elks, Moose, Amvets and Mt. Vernon Gun and Sportsman Club. Being a veteran was a big part of his life. VISITATION: will be from to 5 to 7:00 P.M. on Monday, May 30, 2011 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Chaplain Ernie Collins will officiate. INTERMENT: Smith Veterans Cemetery in Jefferson County, Illinois. Military eulogy will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, Mary 30, 2011 at Hughey Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. For those who wish, memorials may be given to The Family and will be accepted at the funeral home or may be mailed to Hughey Funeral Home, P.O. Box 721, Mt. Vernon, Illinois 62864.