Elbert "Ebb" L. Shoemate

Elbert "Ebb" L. Shoemate, our husband, dad, grandpa, and brother, stepped over into eternity and into the house of the Lord on Monday, August 14, 2023. He was born in Paris, TX, May 3, 1938, and moved with his family to Clovis, NM soon after. He leaves a wife of 37 years, Mary Aynn; daughter, Karin Cahill (Chris); granddaughter, Kelsi; grandson, Connor from Frisco, TX; brother, Randy (Pam); sister, Jean also of Texas; and many nephews, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Arthur "Lee" Shoemate; mother, Altie Easton Shoemate; brother, Joe Shoemate; and sister, Ann Willamson.

His family of friends included colleagues from his 30 year career as an Electro Magnetic Pulse Test Engineer with EG&G, fellow students from Clovis High School and Eastern New Mexico University as well as many other interesting people who touched his life in different ways.

He was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman, and served the country of his heart in the Army National Guard. The son of a gunsmith, he enjoyed shooting competitively as a young man; and in the Army National Guard, he received the rifle sharpshooter accommodation.

He was a problem solver and the original "Mr. Fix it". He enjoyed working in his shop at home and inventing special tools to get any job done. His motto was "If it's broke, fix it!".

He was an avid fan of the Dallas Cowboys from their beginnings in the '60's. While living and working in Dallas, he lived in the same apartment complex and crossed paths with up and coming players such as Don Meredith and Dan Reeves. He was a walking encyclopedia of Dallas Cowboys statistics and history. A preverbal optimist, he always looked forward to each season with enthusiasm and a hearty "Go Boys!".

Ebb enjoyed a quiet spiritual walk with his Creator. He was a man of principal and common sense and had a deep respect for the gifts of life and freedom. He was a devoted family man and humble in his relationships with his loved ones. He was a strong influence and teacher to his daughter, Karin. He instilled confidence in the capabilities of his loved ones even if they didn't believe it in themselves. It was a true gift to be a disciple of his many talents. It is an understatement to say he will be greatly missed.

Ebb enjoyed the dogs in his life, the dogs he "married into" when he and Mary Aynn began their married lives. He staunchly supported the service dog organization, Canine Companions for Independence and the local Therapy Dog group Southwest Canine Corps of Volunteers. He was very proud of his family's support of all the groups that trained and provided working dogs. He also liked to attend agility trials and watch his own dogs compete in that sport.

His family respects and appreciates each and every expression of remembrance and condolence, and offers the above named organization or charity of your choice for consideration, or welcomes all floral arrangements in their beauty and blessing.

A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, August 19, 2023, 1:00 p.m., at FRENCH - University. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, 924 Menaul Blvd. NE.