Bill Shaw

Bill Shaw went home to be with Jesus on October 27, 2024. Born in Houston, Texas, on February 1, 1927. Bill spent his entire life in Houston until his retirement led him to Galveston where he spent his final years. He gave his life to Christ and was baptized at Heights Church of Christ. He loved sports & lettered in football and basketball at Lamar High School. He played five positions in football – three on offense: guard, center, and quarterback and two on defense: safety and linebacker. He initially turned down a basketball scholarship to Texas A&M to enlist in the Navy because “it was the right thing for a young man to do during World War II.” Bill truly loved his country and was a proud to serve in the Navy. He served on the submarine “Bowfin,” a fleet attack submarine which is part of the Pearl Harbor Museum in Hawaii. Following his service in the Navy, he attended and played basketball at Texas A&M from 1946-1950, graduating in 1950. Bill loved A&M sports…a true, PROUD Aggie who bled maroon.

Bill lived a full life. He was married to the love of his life, Jo Ann, for 49 years. One of his favorite statements was how bright and beautiful she is. Bill established the Shaw Company in 1972. Jo Ann later joined the company. In marriage and in business they were together and enjoyed many years of success and travels that took them to many countries as well as around the world. One of their favorite trips was visiting the Bowfin in Hawaii to commemorate his service, to see the rack he slept in while serving and to hear his Captain one last time on a tour of the submarine.

Let us be thankful for a life well lived, a life devoted to goodness, to faith in Christ, to unselfish service. And let us be thankful for a God of grace, Who is with us in life & death & throughout eternity.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Theodore and Willie Lucille (Coffee) Shaw, sister Betty Hartnup, and daughter, Pamela McAdow.

Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann; son, Craig Klenk and wife Sandy; daughter Debra Maurer and husband John, nephew, Tony Wessendorff and wife Gail; niece, Vickie Oliver; 10 Grandchildren, 20 Great-Grandchildren and one Great, Great-Grandchild.

The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to the staff at the Delaney Senior Living Community for the loving care provided to Bill over the past 13 months. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Dementia Society of America.