Don Shaw

Don Shaw was a true family man. He was a hard-working education professional much of his life, yet his greatest reward came from the warmth of his stepchildren and stepgrandchildren. He was a loving husband, supportive stepfather, wonderful step-grandfather and a cherished friend to many. Don’s warm personality, his jovial spirit, and sense of humor will be forever remembered.

Despite the Thirties being marked by tough economic times, the decade also saw an expansion of new technologies, especially in the areas of radio and film. In 1933 for example, five-year-old Shirley Temple signed a contract with Fox, the Chocolate Chip cookie and the board game Monopoly were invented, and the original King Kong movie was released. Bringing great joy to their world, Paul Arthur and Lois Lenora (Ladd) Shaw welcomed home their only son, Donald born on April 16, 1933 in the Buckeye State of Ohio. Born to a hard-working set of farmers, Donald knew the value of a hard day’s worth.

Growing up in Van Wert, Donnie, as he was known as a child, mostly palled around with his cousins. They spent quite a bit of time mustering up mischief; anything from playing ball to making sure they pulled the usual pranks expected of boys their age. For example, when they learned that a close friend or family member would be out of town for a spell, they’d find a way into the empty home and rearrange the furniture to surprise the unsuspecting family when they returned from their extended vacation! Close with each of his cousins, especially his cousin, Gregg who called him Nuk, as well as his Uncle Harold who taught him how to drive, Donnie learned that family relationships were invaluable. As a teen, he attended Hoagland-Jackson High School where he excelled at both basketball and baseball. He was good enough to secure himself a spot on the Defiance College basketball team after he graduated high school in 1951. By 1955, he earned a Bachelor's degree in Education and set off to join the military. Fortunately, Don’s years of service with the United States Army were during peacetime where he was stationed in Germany. As a result, he was able to travel extensively throughout Holland and the Netherlands.

After he was discharged, he started his teaching career with the East Noble School Corporation at Wayne Center Elementary School in 1958. Don absolutely loved the children! A committed and dedicated professional, he obtained his Masters of Education from St. Francis University in 1963. Never settling for less than his very best, it was no surprise that Don’s career would take a turn toward administration where he worked as the principal at Wayne Center for a greater part of twenty-two years. In addition to his administrative duties, Don continued his love of basketball by coaching there for many years. Later, he accepted another position as the principal of Northside Elementary School where he remained before successfully retiring in June of 1995. Don was proudly employed with the East Noble School Corporation for a remarkable thirty-nine years!

Not to be forgotten was the love of his life, Cheryl Anne (Leitch) Fordeck. Waiting until later in life to marry, when Don met Cheryl he was more than ready to settle down. Joining in marriage on June 29, 1990 in beautiful Hawaii, they built a wonderful life together. Don and Cheryl shared many happy years together. They enjoyed traveling together, especially heading out East each Fall, as well as their tradition of every Wednesday in the summer visiting the Shipshewana auctions where Don would get his fix of Auburn Rubber Collectibles. He loved to collect antiques and thoroughly enjoyed attending every auction he could find within a reasonable driving distance. They also enjoyed trips to Niagara Falls, Washington D.C., SeaWorld, Gettysburg, and Hershey, Pennsylvania. Cheryl was a loving companion often accompanying Don on his many gambling excursions. He loved the shows at Las Vegas where he was known to travel three times a year to take in the sights, as well as play his favorite slots; the Red Hot, Sizzlin’ 7’s and Blazin 7’s.

A simple man, Don loved his routine Saturday morning breakfast meetings with his good friend and longtime colleague, Doyle Igney. He also cherished his fishing trips to Rice Lake, Canada and the Wisconsin Dells. An avid fisherman, Don loved to catch his Northern Pike on an old-fashioned cane pole at his favorite fishing hole; Spooner Lake in Wisconsin! He was pretty competitive at both his fishing and his gambling over the years. Although he loved all sports, Don was a diehard Ohio State Buckeye fan! For relaxation, Don treasured time in his flower gardens and sold tickets for all the East Noble High School Sporting events for nearly thirty years. Most of all, he loved the companionship of his dogs, Penny and Buttons. Sadly, Don passed away and leaves behind countless memories to be lovingly remembered by his special family and close friends.

Donald Wayne Shaw, age 83, of Kendallville, died Saturday, February 18, 2017 at Lutheran Life Villages. Survivors include his wife, Cheryl Shaw of Kendallville. His step-son, Trent (Heather) Fordeck of Kendallville, as well as his step-daughters, Shannon (Mark) Cooper of Muncie and Cori (Matt) Christoffersen of Fort Wayne. Seven step-grandchildren: Kendall, Micah, Dane, Drew, Jordan, Zachary, and Brody. Also surviving are his special cousins; Bill and Peggy Bolenbaugh of Van Wert, Ohio; Gregg Bolenbaugh of Van Wert; and Roger and Patty Bolenbaugh of Fort Wayne. He was also preceded in death by his sisters, Marilyn and Carolyn Shaw and his brother, Dana Shaw. Visitation will be held Wednesday, February 22nd from 3:00-7:00 PM at Hite Funeral Home in Kendallville. Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 23, 2017 at 11:00 AM at Hite Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the East Noble Athletic Department or Noble County Humane Society. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.