William R. Shaw, “Bob,” passed away Dec. 26, 2017. Farewell to a distinguished sailor. Following long-term illnesses, he slipped away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Bullhead City, Arizona.
He was born Aug, 3, 1938, the second and only surviving son to the late William and Leona Kate (née Field) in Evanston. He grew up devoutly in the LDS faith and assumed enormous responsibility at a young age when his father left the family.
In high school, he again faced tragedy when his mother was dying of cancer. He simultaneously cared for her and helped raise his only sibling, a little sister Barbara (Morrow) of Evanston. In high school, he enlisted in the Army National Guard until his 17th birthday, when he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1955. Upon an honorable discharge, he joined the U.S. Naval Reserve and later the Army National Guard again. Following those years, he re-enlisted in the U.S. Navy.
He was a patriot who loyally served 19-plus years until his last honorable discharge in 1975. He proudly served in the Vietnam War (Petty Officer GMT2) and was highly decorated, including three Bronze Stars and numerous other commendations. He was recognized as a superb marksman, a nuclear emergency training instructor and an air training command instructor.
Following his second honorable military discharge, he and his family made their home in Las Vegas, where Bob began his 25-year career as security supervisor for Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center.
Following a divorce Bob’s family, including his three sons, exploded in size and trappings when he most happily married his best friend and coworker, Sherril (Carson). She brought into his life her five children and their growing families. They lived a happy life as dedicated parents and grandparents.
Bob enjoyed the hobbies of freelance gold prospecting, jewelry making, all things John Wayne and studied conspiracy theories. He and Sherril worked together at Sunrise Hospital until her illness and subsequent death in 2000. Bob retired shortly thereafter.
He worked a few years as a locksmith for Liberty Lock and Key but returned to retirement to help raise grandchildren. He was, above all things, a caring, inspirational and devoted friend, husband, father and granddad to his combined family.
He is preceded in death by his parents; older brother, George Bernard Shaw; his wife; and his firstborn son, William Fern Shaw.
He is survived by his sister; son, Kevin (Melissa) Shaw-Henderson of Nevada; son, Kyle (Casey) Shaw-Hagerstown of Maryland; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; stepchildren, James (Patrice) Carson of Logandale, Nevada, Lisa Carson (Joe) Matvay of Las Vegas, Clifford Carson of Houston, Mark Carson of Henderson, Nevada, and Jodi (Ron) Hurtado of Ville Platte, Louisiana; 10 step-grandchildren; 32 step-great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great-grandchild.
Military honors will be held at 11:20 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 1, at Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Dr., Boulder City, Nevada. A reception will follow at 265 Circa St., Henderson, Nevada.
A second memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, at Sunridge Village Assisted Living, 839 Landon Dr., Bullhead City, Arizona. A reception will immediately follow.
Please make donations in Bob’s memory to American Parkinson Disease Association or the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements under the direction of Dimond & Sons Mortuary, Bullhead City, Arizona.
