Barry Shoemaker

Barry Lee Shoemaker, 69, of Somerset, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025 at Bridgepointe at Ashgrove Woods in Nicholasville.

He was born on January 2, 1956, in Pineville, Kentucky, to the late Lyle Richard and Delores Ann (Harrod) Shoemaker, and was raised in Hazard, Kentucky. He grew up in the Methodist faith and proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Army, where he was a member of the 82nd Airborne, 2nd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, and Special Forces Green Beret. Following his graduation, he attended Somerset Community College, where he began his studies in Security and Loss Prevention. He later completed his degree at Eastern Kentucky University and went on to earn a Master's in Criminal Justice with honors.

His career in law enforcement began with the Kentucky State Police Division of Natural Resources, which later transitioned into Water Patrol. He retired as a Lieutenant from the Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Law Enforcement before continuing his service with the Wayne County Sheriff's Office. Every year, he participated in "Shop with a Cop" during Christmas, engaging with the kids.

In addition to his law enforcement career, he was a dedicated entrepreneur. He co-owned Body Business Gym with his former wife, Kim Weddle, and later owned Frog's Gym. He had a passion for triathlons, running, cycling, and working out. He also enjoyed buying and selling cars, with a special love for Ford and British automobiles.

He is survived by his daughter, Christy Leigh Shoemaker Morris; son, Chad Shoemaker; step-daughter and guardian, Katy Garland (and the late, Jerry Garland); siblings, Neal & (Sheryl) Shoemaker, Dale Shoemaker, and Denise & (David) Miller; granddaughters, Kylie, Nicole, Madison, Hannah, Morgan, Moira, and Macy; grandsons, Charles, Isaac, Kollin, and Mikey; three nieces, Britani, Brooke, and Bree.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his first wife, Belinda (Carter) Shoemaker.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Friday, March 28, 2025 at the chapel of Pulaski Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at 2:30 PM Friday at Mill Springs National Cemetery.

Military Honors will be conducted by Post #38 Honor Guard.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Sky Hope Recovery - 77 Union St, Somerset, KY 42501

Pulaski Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.