Dudley Chappell Shoemaker

Dudley Chappell Shoemaker, 81, of Tukwila died quietly in his home February 15, 2026.

DC was born in Galesburg, IL to Paul and Dorothea. The family moved from Illinois to California in the late 1940’s. He joined ROTC at Berkeley in the mid-1960’s and graduated with a BA degree. After college, DC joined the U.S. Army Transportation Corps.

He married his first wife, Paula, in Seattle, WA and they had two children: Melanie and Paul.

DC deployed twice to Viet Nam. He was awarded multiple Commendation medals for his service and actions, including a Bronze Star.

DC and Paula divorced after the war and his second marriage was to Kathleen a few years later in Seattle, WA.

His military career continued overseas in Germany in the 1980’s, where he was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal for service in the U.S. European Command.

When DC eventually retired from the Army, he had achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

After he retired from the Army, he earned a Master of Business Administration focusing on Quantitative Analysis at the University of Washington. He put this to use teaching at The Dotson Institute, Infotec Commercial Systems, and the North Seattle Community College. He fully retired from teaching in 2020.

His hobby of making model planes and tanks was a favorite of his, throughout his entire life. He assembled all his models with meticulous attention to detail; he was excellent at model building.  He was also an avid reader and researcher of the World Wars and the machinery used during those times. Additionally, he enjoyed the science fiction genre and was a Star Trek fan.

DC was pre-deceased by his parents, his sister Lorna, and his second wife Kathleen. He is survived by two children, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He will be forever missed by his family and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, there was no memorial service. Should mourners wish to honor him, please make a donation to your local veteran’s group in his name.