Gary Kae Shaw, 90, devoted husband, father of two, loving brother, grandfather, dear friend, and celebrated teacher, died peacefully in his sleep and embraced by his wife at his daughter’s home on Friday, July 7, in Lake Forest, IL, following a courageous battle with brain cancer.
Gary was the cherished husband of Wanda Lee Shaw for 67 years and the loving father of Susan Shaw Nommensen (Bob) and Mark Lee Shaw (Lynn). He is survived by four grandchildren: Sara Shaw Tatum (John), Robert Gary Nommensen, Jenna Shaw Nommensen, and Andrew Joseph Shaw. Gary was the dedicated brother to Rick Shaw (Mary) and Bill Shaw (Cynthia) and was preceded in death by his brother, Neale Shaw, and his parents, Kenneth and Bernice Shaw.
Gary was born November 28, 1932, in Albion, IL. He graduated from Mt. Carmel High School in 1951. Afterward, he received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from SIU Carbondale. It was there that he met the love of his life, his soulmate, as he called her – Wanda (Hooten) Shaw. After a brief career in the oil industry working as a geologist, he made a professional change to education after seeing firsthand the joy his wife experienced from educating young people. Over a span of 45 years, Gary taught all ages and even held positions in coaching and school administration. His last thirty years as an educator were spent teaching at Wabash Valley College as a popular instructor of psychology.
It is said there are 2 types of people – those who come into a rom and say, “Well, here I am!”, and those say, “Ah, there you are.” Gary exemplified the second kind. He welcomed hearing people’s stories, opinions, triumphs, and sorrows. No one was a better listener, and he was especially full of gentle, thoughtful advice. His happiest moments were simple: reading a good book or magazine, sharing a home-cooked meal, walking with friends, laughing with his buddies at McDonald’s, working out or swimming at the local fitness centers, and, most of all, spending time with his family. At the center of everything in Gary’s life was his commitment and love for his wife, Wanda.
Gary learned of his terminal prognosis in October of 2022 and treasured the gift of being with his family for what time God provided. Gary’s family is incredibly grateful for the cards, phone calls, and prayers received from lifelong friends at EUM Church members. This outreach provided invaluable comfort and smiles for Gary and Wanda. Additionally, there is no way to adequately thank the amazing love and tenderness of the caregiving team that assisted Gary and Wanda – Yuka, Sara, Elsie, Tina, Sarah, and Shermie. These women are truly angels on Earth.
Funeral services will be private in Lake Forest, IL. A celebration of Gary’s life and a luncheon will be held Sunday, September 3 at noon, following church services at EUM in Mt. Carmel. All are invited to attend. For those who desire a memorial for Gary, please consider donations to EUM Church, where he and Wanda worshipped for over fifty years. The address is: Evangelical United Methodist Church, 2010 N. Cherry St., Mt. Carmel, IL 62863.
