Barbara Jean Trafton Schoemake

It is with great sadness that the family of Barbara Jean Trafton Schoemaker announces her recent passing. Barbara was born on April 24, 1932, in Fairbault, Minnesota, to Leroy Haven Trafton and Grace Emmajean Trafton. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of seventy-three years, Vernon, a younger brother, Ron, and a younger sister, Cheryl. 

Barbara married Vernon Schoemaker in 1950, two months after her high school graduation. The couple made their first home in Amarillo, Texas, where Vernon sold used cars and Barbara worked for the Amarillo Credit Bureau. They joined the First Baptist Church where Barbara was a volunteer in the music and children’s ministries. 

They had three children while living in Amarillo: David Schoemaker (Dyanna Brown Schoemaker), Douglas Schoemaker (Martha Salinas Schoemaker), and Debra Schoemaker Ezzell (Joe Ezzell) 

The family moved to Irving, Texas, in 1968 to open Toyota of Irving at a time when no one had ever heard of a Toyota. Barbara and Vernon were a team in building their business and in establishing themselves as two of the leading citizens of Irving. Barbara shared equally in the success of the dealership. She and Vernon traveled extensively on Toyota trips to Japan, England, France, Italy, Africa, and throughout the United States. 

A partial list of Barbara’s civic and church activities include: 

• Sunday School teacher at Plymouth Park Baptist Church 

• Vacation Bible School 

• Lifetime member of the Irving Heritage Society 

• Lifetime member of the Irving Hospital Auxiliary 

• Author of the newsletter for the Las Colinas Women’s Association 

• Treasurer and children’s program director for the Irving Symphony League 

• Member of the Turf Turners Garden Club for 43 years 

• Member of the Joy Sisters Sunday school class at the First Baptist Church of Irving 

Barbara’s descendants include eight grandchildren: Jereme Schoemaker, Joshua Schoemaker, Jonathan Schoemaker, Joe Ezzell, Jeffrey Schoemaker, Lindsey Ezzell Simpson, Jacob Ezzell, and James Schoemaker 

Thirteen great-grandchildren: Taylor, Ethan, Trinity, Kenzie, Van, Liam, Cooper, Camden, Lumi, Evelyn, Nevina, Tre, and Gunnar, and one great-great grandson, Chase 

Barbara, our beloved Nanny, was a prayer warrior like no other. No one who knew her will ever forget her beauty, grace, or kindness. We’re sad she’s no longer with us, but we’re heartened to know she’ll spend eternity with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Funeral service for Barbara will be 10 a.m. Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Colonial Funeral Home Chapel – 606 W. Airport Freeway, Irving, TX 75062. Friends and family will visit from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, February 27 at the funeral home.