Charles Shaw

Charles "Butch" Shaw, age 60, of Austin, Texas, formerly of Waco, Texas, passed away on Sunday, February 24, 2008 in Austin. He was born in Temple, Texas to parents Charles and Iris Shaw. Butch was a graduate of Waco High School in 1966 and continued his education at Sam Houston State University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice in 1970. While pursuing his degree, he worked in the Huntsville Prison System where he became involved in working closely with inmates, which helped in his career in the mental health field. Butch was the Director of Vocational Programs, Heart of Texas Industries, a division of the Heart of Texas Region MHMR for 32 years in Waco, Texas. He was also involved in many community activities. One of his greatest achievements and joys was providing for special needs citizens of all ages. He and his wife Beverly were key organizers of the "Annual Fishing Event for Really Special People" for twenty years and recognized in Waco as well as the Central Texas area for their dedication, service, and support. Butch proudly and unselfishly served his community which is evidenced by his additional community service awards which include The McLennan County Association of Retarded Citizens Board of Directors, as a United Way Loan Executive, as a member of the Heart of Texas Private Industry Council, honored as the Public employee of the Year by the Waco Mayor's Committee for the Disabled, a committee member of Keep Waco Beautiful Recycling Committee, a volunteer for numerous non-profit fundraising activities, a MHMR Representative for the Downtown Waco Association, MHMR representative for the Waco Chamber of Commerce, member and recognized as The Optimist Club Citizen of the Year, as well as being given the Masonic Lodge Community Builder Award. He was preceded in death by parents Charles and Iris Shaw. Butch leaves behind a loving family that includes his wife Beverly, daughter Nancy Van Hoy and husband Ferguson, and is a recent proud papa of his grandson Braden Van Hoy all from Denton, son Kevin Shaw of Austin, stepsons Brad Baxley of Austin, Jeremy Grisham of Dallas, and stepdaughter Devon Grisham of Austin. He also leaves behind a brother Jim Shaw and wife Peggy of Austin, and sisters Donna Shaw of Austin and Debbie Shaw of Wilmer along with nieces and nephews, Andrea, Micheal Ann, Jonah, Matt, Heather, Jason, Amy, and other special relatives who held a special place in his heart. As a boy, one of his greatest loves was baseball, and he continued this love by coaching numerous Waco Little League programs, in which his sons Kevin and Jeremy participated in for many years. His greatest motto to the kids was his saying of "never quit". Butch was a member of the Longhorn Foundation and deeply committed to all things burnt orange and could be found giving the "Hook `Em" sign anywhere and everywhere he went. He was also a member of the Sea Ray owner's club which helped in fulfilling one of his lifetime dreams, a 36' Sedan Bridge, "Chillin' Time". He was also known for his passion for life and his raw optimism. He greatly enjoyed boating, music and wining and dining with family and friends. Butch loved to laugh and was seen as a positive spirit among his family and friends. Butch was a loving and supportive father who taught the importance of character, integrity, and pride to his children. His love extended beyond his immediate family and he was known to easily accept many friends and others into his own family, and constantly putting other people's needs ahead of his own. Butch was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend. A Special thanks from Butch and the family go to staff of Sail and Ski Yacht Club Marina, HOTRMHMR staff, and the many friends and relatives who have given an enormous amount of quick support to help him with his Celebration of Life. A Lakeside memorial service and catered Celebration Party in honor of Butch's life will be held on Friday, February 29, 2008 beginning at 12:00 Noon at the Sail and Ski Yacht Club, 16406 Stewart Rd., Lakeway, Texas 78734 (512) 266-2507. Dress attire will be "Jimmy Buffett" casual style. Covered seating area will be available. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following organizations; American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312, The UT Longhorn Foundation, P.O. Box 13178, Austin, Texas 78711-3178, The Alzheimer's Association, North Central Texas Chapter, 101 Summit Ave., Suite 300, Fort Worth, Texas 76102, or to CLL Global Research Foundation, M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Attn: Dr. Michael Keating, P.O. Box 301402, Unit 428, Houston, Texas 77230. --Butch, we love you and will miss you always! Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com