Marcel A. Shoemaker, 65, of Bella Vista, AR, passed away on January 22, 2025 at his home surrounded by family. He was born September 22, 1959, in Hays, KS to Alfred and Simone (Noël) Shoemaker. The family then moved to his mother's hometown in Belgium for 3 years before returning to Hays. He spent the rest of his childhood there and graduated from Hays High School in 1977.
He worked a variety of jobs as a young adult before graduating from NCK Vo- Tech as a Licensed Practical Nurse. He enjoyed both psychiatric and geriatric nursing, went on to graduate from Barton County Community College with an Associate Degree in Nursing, and continued his career as a Registered Nurse. Marcel and his family moved to Abilene, KS where he began work as the Director of the new geriatric-psychiatric behavioral health unit at Abilene Memorial Hospital. He worked there for 18 years, growing and maintaining the unit eventually named the ROSE (Rehabilitation of Special Elderly) Unit. During his time in Abilene, he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club and involved with various community organizations.
He retired from AMH in 2016 and he and his wife Megan then moved to Arkansas after falling in love with the Natural State many years prior during one of their long weekend adventures. He was beyond thrilled when two children and their families eventually moved there, too.
Marcel has always had a love of cars, especially muscle cars, and spent many weekends at the dragstrip racing his 1981 Camaro that he had fixed up and painted his favorite coppery orange color. He even won a few races. Not only did he enjoy the thrill of the race, but also the camaraderie with both high school buddies and new friends meant even more.
Marcel and Megan enjoyed traveling to new and different places. Although some of their best trips were the long weekends spent exploring Arkansas and other nearby states, two of his favorites were a three-week trip to see his mother's side of the family in Belgium and visit other European countries and fulfilling his dream to see the Northern Lights in Alaska. He also enjoyed fishing, boating, riding his Harley and gardening-with a particular passion for growing ornamental sunflowers. He also loved rocks, gemstones and mining for Arkansas quartz crystals.
Marcel was preceded in death by his parents and a niece, Erica Bollig.
He is survived by Megan, his wife of 27 years and 4 children: Dylan(Sarah)Shoemaker, Liz(Chris)Quenzer, Brianna(Travis)Brandt, Brendan(Kennya)Arnold; Nine grandchildren: Carter, Miah, Jordan, Maverick, Liam, Zeplin, Kingston, Zoey, Koa and the 10th, a granddaughter due in February; his sister Suzanne(Mick)Bollig, brother Alan Shoemaker, numerous nieces and nephews, and many friends he considered family.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be planned at a future date.