Career
Shoemaker served for 24 years in the Ohio House of Representatives. Celeste"s choice of Shoemaker for Lieutenant Governor was pivotal for him to receive downstate support in the election to offset the political support of his opponent, United States. Republican Clarence J. "Bud" Brown Junior.
Wags claimed that if elected, Celeste would be the Governor above Interstate 70 and Shoemaker would be the Governor below Interstate 70, the highway that bisects Ohio.
He was elected lieutenant governor in 1982 as running mate of Richard F. Celeste. Shoemaker died of cancer in 1985 while serving as lieutenant governor.
The Convocation center on the campus of the University of Cincinnati bears his name. The main arena is sponsored by Fifth Third Bank and is legally named "Fifth Third Arena at Shoemaker Center".