Jerry Shaw

Jerry Shaw, 85, formerly of Whitney, passed away at his home in Middleton, Idaho. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, May 27, 2016, at Prairie Valley Baptist Church in Whitney, under the direction of Marshall and Marshall Funeral Directors. Burial will follow at Prairie Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., on Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the funeral home.

Jerry was born in Blair Oklahoma on April 15, 1931 as the oldest son of Leonard and Velma Lee Shaw. Jerry attended school at Blair and graduated from there in 1949. He excelled at Basketball and Baseball at Blair where he was named all-state as a pitcher. In the summer of 1948 he was named the MVP for American Legion ball for the state of Oklahoma while playing for the Altus Harvesters.

Following graduation Jerry attended Midwestern for one year and then transferred to Southeastern Oklahoma University. While at Midwestern he played basketball and baseball. At Southeastern he played baseball and received his degree in education. He also played baseball for the Durant GI’s while living in Durant.

Jerry’s long and productive teaching career began in Weaver, OK. He then taught and coached in Mead, OK. Following a short stint at Wellman, Texas, he moved to Oregon. He taught one year at Rougue River, OR . He ranched and taught in Ashland, OR from 1960 to 1973 before moving back to Oklahoma. He then taught a year in Moore, OK, a year in Blair, OK, and then three years in Wolforth, TX. In 1978 he found a new home in Whitney, TX. He taught at Whitney for eight years. He then taught at Blum for five years. He also taught at Hill Junior College, and finished out back at Whitney.

Jerry was actually a history major but spent his whole life teaching math. He truly was an energetic teacher and was always willing to do extra to help his students. Teaching was such an important part of his life and he truly loved his profession. He had very high expectations for all students and would tolerate nothing but maximum effort. Mr. Shaw was probably best known at school however for his crazy stories and wonderful sense of humor. He made school both productive and enjoyable. So many people have expressed their appreciation for him as a teacher. Teaching may not make a person rich but it most surely can make their life meaningful. Mr. Shaw loved his students and had an amazing memories. He could tell stories of classroom activities from all of his teaching years.

In his free time Jerry liked to fish and hunt. Lake Whitney and the Brazos river were his home away from home. He had the hands of a bear and could hold a catfish and clean it faster than anyone around. He was part of the greatest generation, and as such, valued hard work greatly. He always set a positive example for hard work, toughness, attitude and honesty that could be followed not only at school but anywhere he went. In his retirement he enjoyed traveling. He especially enjoyed Costa Rica, New Zealand and Alaska. He was also very involved in the churches he attended over the years, with the last 30 years at Prairie Valley Baptist Church in Whitney.

Jerry was married to his sweetheart, Myrna Dean on July 29 1961. It was truly a love story. Few people know this but they actually eloped. Jerry was very proud of his wife and bragged on her constantly. In his last days he told us many times “That was the best deal I ever made”.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Leonard and Velma Lee Shaw, one son John Leonard Shaw, and son-in-law Cleveland Smith. He is survived by his loving wife Myrna Shaw .Four children: Doug Shaw (Bicki) of Richardson, TX, Sherry Shaw Smith of Plano, TX, Scott Shaw (Heidi) of Madill, OK, Tana Lyle (Craig) of Middleton, ID, 11 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren, two brothers, Larry (Vicki) & Lyndell (Fran) Shaw and sister, Erma Lee Osborne, all of Blair, OK., and many cousins, nieces, & nephews.

Funeral Service

Friday May 27, 2016 , 10:00 AM at Prairie Valley Baptist Church

Viewing and Visitation

Thursday May 26, 2016 , 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Marshall & Marshall Funeral Directors in Whitney