Frederick Nelson Shave

Frederick Nelson Shave, or "Nelson", as he was known by all, passed away on March 1, 2013 in Carrollton, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife Reva, his brother Leroy Wilson Shave and his parents Lula Campbell Shave and James Frederick Shave. Nelson was born May 16, 1916 near Star, Texas. Nelson's growing years were spent there until he graduated from Star High School and moved to attend college at Tarleton, in Stephenville.

Nelson began his career with the Texas Highway Department until the beginning of World War II, at which time he enlisted in the Army Air Corp. Before leaving the country he married his sweetheart Reva West on Christmas Day 1942. He was deployed to England and then on to Normandy on D-Day +3 and spent the rest of the war throughout Europe. His ship was leaving Italy headed to Okinawa when V-J Day was declared and he sailed to New York Harbor instead. When he saw the Statue of Liberty he was so grateful to be home that he declared aloud, "Lady, if you ever want to see my face again you will have to look behind you as I don't ever plan to leave this country again."

After returning to central Texas, he finished his education and went back to work with the Texas Highway Department as an engineer. He spent most of his 43 year career working out of District 13 near Abilene. Shortly before his retirement, he bought a small ranch, which he called "The Poor Man's Ponderosa”. He worked his land and cattle there for another 25 years. He and Reva did almost everything themselves, including planting over 200 pecan trees by hand. They loved working the land and continued to do so until age 91.

While living in Hamilton, Nelson could often be seen escorting Reva and her two sisters, Orpha Whittenton and Joann "Bunny" Purcell, around town. They were members of First Baptist Church of Hamilton, where the sisters regularly enjoyed giving advice to the pastor!

Nelson was also a member of the Rock House Masonic Lodge for over seventy years and a participating member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Following Reva's death, he moved to Carrollton to be near his only son, Frederick West Shave, and his grandchildren. There he became the favorite of everyone in his residential group home. Nelson was ever polite, always gracious and intelligent, but never gave advice unless he was asked! He will be missed by all who knew him.

Nelson is survived by his son, Dr. Frederick West Shave and wife Cheryl, his grandson Christopher West Shave, his granddaughter Elicia Shave Ayres and great-grandsons Joshua Nelson Ayres and Jonah West Ayres. Nelson appreciated and the family is so grateful for the loving care he received these last years both in Hamilton and by his caregivers in Carrollton. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Dental Ministry of First Baptist Church or the Rock House Lodge. Services are to be held at Riley Funeral Home on Thursday, March 7th @ 1:00PM with Pastor Keith Felton officiating.

Favorite Scripture= Proverbs16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.