Mr. Walter Norman Shaw

Dr. Walter Norman Shaw passed away October 15, 2014, ending a remarkable life of faithfulness, professional accomplishment, intellectual curiosity, artistic appreciation, and absolute dedication to his family. He was 90 years old at the time of his passing. He was predeceased by his parents Norman T. Shaw and Sarah Jones, and his sister Sarah Jones Shaw (Sally).

He was born in Penns Grove, New Jersey on December 12, 1923. He spent his childhood and early life on the East Coast. He attended Guilford College in North Carolina, eventually transferring to and graduating from Duke University. After serving in the US Navy, he pursued his graduate studies and received his Ph. D. from the University of Pennsylvania. He then moved with his young family to Indianapolis where he launched a successful career at Eli Lilly as a biochemist, retiring at age 70 after more than 30 years of service. Having worked in diabetes research, he found great satisfaction in his work, his various publications, and even continued his career at Genetic Modeling Incorporated after his retirement from Lilly.

He was also a devoted member of North United Methodist Church, for over thirty years, and gave his time generously and lovingly to its ministries. In his leisure time, he found enjoyment in antiques, classical music and theatre, reading, cross word puzzles and travel often with other members of the family in tow.

His gregarious nature, thoughtfulness, and gift for storytelling endeared him to many who will miss him greatly. Those left to celebrate him include his wife of 62 years, Ruth Coulter Shaw, his three daughters, Deborah Davisson (Michael), Lydia Shaw (Patrick Enright), Susan Harrison (Michael), as well as ten grandchildren, Mitch, Caitlin, Brendan, Ryan, Audrey, Dillon, Evan, Chris, Meredith, and Megan, and two great-grandchildren, Braden and McKenna.