John Otis Shaw

John attended the Austin Public Schools. John

and his brother Jimmie were a part of the first four African American students to integrate the William B. Travis High School in academics. He was also the first to integrate sports at Travis High School in 1957. He also attended and played football at Texas Southern University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education and Physical Education.

John accepted Christ at an early age and he and his family were very active and devoted members of St Annie AME church.

John was recruited and joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1966 and served in VIETNAM.

After his military Service , John went to work for Sunny´s Ranger Market , which later was acquired by the 7 Eleven Corp and later Valero Energy, before retiring. He was always described as a father figure to many of the children of his Co-Worker and employees. After retirement, to remain busy, he became a bus driver with Houston ISD for children with special needs.

He was described by all who knew him as kind,giving,and good man who was always there when you needed him.

John was a very devoted sports fan. The original Houston Oilers, Houston Texans, Rockets, Astros, TSU Tigers, and the Texas Longhorns were among his favorites.

John courageously battled several life threatening problems with painful side effects but continued to fight with hope and determination until his sudden end.

John is preceded in death by his father, Albert Sr, mother, Jennie and brothers James(Jimmie), and Albert Jr.

John leaves to cherish his memory a loving family which includes a devoted wife of 60 years Betty, brothers, Charles and David of Austin, Texas, three children, Tracy Dionne,John Michael and Garland (Stro) Godfrey ,seven grandchildren and five great grandchildren and devoted nieces (Victoria)and nephews.

"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us."

Visitation will be held at Forest Park South Funeral Home, 12650 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland, TX 77584, US, on September 10, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location on September 10, 2026, at 11:00 am.

A Committal Service will take place at Houston National Cemetery, 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038, US, on September 10, 2026, at 1:45 pm.

A Catered Reception will be held at Forest Park South Funeral Home in the Oceanview Events Hall, 12650 Shadow Creek Parkway, Pearland, Texas 77584, on September 10, 2026, at 3:00 pm.