Earl was born February 22, 1948, to June and Nelson Shoemaker. He grew up in his hometown of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from James Buchanan High School in 1966. He moved to Hanover, Pennsylvania, and married the girl next door in 1967. Theresa and Earl shared over 48 years together and raised two daughters, Lisa Johnson and Kimberly Meyers, along with a son, Mark Shoemaker, and a grandson, Cody Shoemaker.

Earl had many hobbies that kept him busy. He especially enjoyed camping with his family and friends. He easily became a friend to all he met, always helping everyone at the campground. He also enjoyed NASCAR races and deep sea fishing with family and friends. Earl was a huge Redskins fan.

Earl applied for membership in the Eagle Fire Company #2 in March of 1973 and was voted into membership of the company on May 10th of that year. Earl was always one to volunteer, so seven months later when the secretary resigned, Earl stepped up to that position. He held that position for the next 42 years, writing down the minutes of the fire company meetings year after year, compiling a history of the fire company.

Earl also held other offices over the years, serving as lieutenant and captain. He served on many committees for the new service units, including air trucks, picnic, Explorer post advisor, monitor purchases, and indoctrination. He was a delegate to the York County Firemen’s Association. He also was very active in the Hanover Firemen’s Relief Association, serving as secretary for five years and president for the last fifteen years. He was elected treasurer for 2016.

In the past couple of years since he retired, he became a fixture at the Wirt Park Fire Station (home of Eagle Fire Company) for the morning coffee club. This was a morning ritual of career retirees and older members, solving the world’s problems.

Being in a combination fire department, Earl was good friends with the paid staff as well. On the day of his death, Saturday, March 12, 2016, Earl was doing what he always did, helping a neighboring fire department on a working structure fire. Earl was driving the air truck (a support piece to supply air). For unknown reasons, had a medical issue and was involved in an accident. He loved helping others in their time of need.