Joseph Shimek

On Jan 24, 2014, Joseph Emil Shimek, 84, of East New Market, MD passed away peacefully at the University of Maryland Shore Medical Center at Easton.
He was born September 14, 1929 in Cambridge, MD, the son of the late Agnes Clara Bame Shimek and Joseph Franklin Shimek. His childhood was spent assisting with agricultural labor on his family’s pastoral, waterfront farm.
He attended Dorchester County Schools and graduated in 1946 from the former East New Market High School. Upon graduation, he worked for the State of Maryland Natural Resources Police until enlisting in the United States Army in 1948. He honorably served as a military policeman providing route security on the train “Mozart” which ran from Vienna, Austria to Munich, Germany.
After receiving an honorable discharge in 1952, he began working as both a waterman and the owner/operator of a tractor trailer. He spent many years hauling for Todd Transport in Secretary, MD and later for Pritchett’s in Cambridge, MD.
In 1979, he married the former Suzanne Willoughby Bounds. This same year, he began the job he cherished the most- being a grandfather and then later a great-grandfather. His devotion and commitment to his family was unparalleled. He modeled a work ethic that stressed both hard work and diligence, but always had time for having fun.
He retired from driving in 2000, and focused his energy mostly on his family, garden, and being a waterman. He was an avid reader, Jeopardy junkie, and a collector of the obscure. In the last few years, you could find him on his workboat, baiting his line, or tinkering in his shop. He was usually accompanied by his grandson, Charlie, and his dog, Tyson.
He was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel in Secretary, MD, a lifetime member of Secretary Volunteer Fire Department, a member of American Legion Post 243 in Hurlock, MD, and a member of the VFW Post 7460 in Cambridge, MD.
He is survived by his wife, Suzanne, a daughter, Joy Dayton (Charles); five grandchildren, Suzanne Dayton Nims (Gilbert), Charles Bounds Dayton (Lisa), Jonathan Pratt Bounds, Jena Lois Bounds, Margaret Lawson Dayton; two great-grandchildren, Lacey Marie Dayton and Ruby Caroline Nims; a brother Thomas W. Shimek (Elsie); two special nephews Joseph and Stephen Shimek.
A memorial service will be held Tuesday evening, January 28, 2014 at St. Lukes Church, 124 Main St. Secretary, MD beginning 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Bob King officiating. Family will receive friends the hour prior to service. Interment will be held on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 beginning 1 p.m. at the Maryland Eastern Shore Veterans Cemetery, Hurlock, MD with military honors.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Emil can be made to a College Fund for his two great granddaughters, Lacy Marie Dayton and Ruby Caroline Nims, c/o Joy Dayton, 6305 Snug Harbor Rd., East New Market, MD 21631 or the Secretary Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 56, Secretary, MD 21664.
Arrangements entrusted to Newcomb and Collins Funeral Home, P.A., Cambridge.
To send online condolences to the family, please visit www.newcombcollins.com