Michael Dale Shaw

Michael is survived by his mother, Loulee O. Shaw; siblings, Sandy Padgett of Austin, Ginger Mittelstedt of the Coastal Bend, Ken Dolph of Tucson, Bill Dolph of Ft. Worth, and many nieces and nephews. Michael is preceded in death by his father, Lt. Col. Otis Dale Shaw (USAF Retired), and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Michael was born on December 14, 1952, at Williams Air Force Base in Chandler, Arizona to Loulee and Dale Shaw. His childhood was spent traveling with his family following his father's career in the Air Force. After graduating from Warner Robins High School (Warner Robins, Georgia) in 1970, Michael attended Auburn University until his studies were tragically interrupted at the age of 19 by a life-changing traumatic brain injury from an auto accident.

Michael happily remained at home with his caring parents, and encouraged by his mother's dedicated assistance, worked with determination and diligence to regain physical and mental abilities. He fondly remembered working at a number of closed workshops and anchored all family events. His siblings, nieces and nephews, family friends, and caregivers all remember him as a jokester who enjoyed laughing and creating silly sayings and gestures. He is remembered in the hearts of all for his clever jokes and puns, his ready words, and his friendly teasing ways.

Michael's passions were crossword puzzles, dictionaries, the daily newspaper, coffee brands, Beatles music, Dr. Pepper, the time of day, field trips out of the house, and enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. He especially delighted in outings to fast food places for a snack. He was a determined individual who never complained about or acknowledged his limitations, successfully swimming laps or lifting and carrying with the use of only one side of his body. Michael was always ready with a quick joke or comeback and was adamant about being seen for who he was and what he could do. He loved to be physically involved with a job and would work without complaint at any task he was asked to do. He sought his quiet time as well and spent many hours in his room listening and drumming to his favorite songs, especially "Michelle" by the Beatles.

Michael was one-of-a-kind. His legendary ways will not be forgotten -the impact he had on all who met him, in whatever circumstance, far exceeded anything he could have imagined.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 2nd beginning at 11:00 AM in the chapel at Porter Loring on McCullough.

Michael will be laid to rest on April 2, 2018 at 1:00 pm at Ft. Sam Houston Cemetery, next to his father.

The family would like to thank Michael's caregivers for the companionship and kindness they shared with Michael, for the sense of joy he had in his interactions with them, for the outings and soft drinks and laughter they provided him.

Special thanks to Caring Companions for their support and dedication to the family over the years.