Willis Shaw (1914-2006)

SHAW, YAHNKE, SPIVEY

Posted By: Nevada Journal
Date: 8/18/2006 at 08:40:30

NEVADA JOURNAL, Nevada, Story County, Iowa, Thursday, August 17, 2006.

Willis Shaw

Willis Shaw, formerly of Nevada, passed away in Colorado on Sunday, August 6, 2006.

Willis was born in Bloomfield, Iowa on August 17, 1914 to Ed Shaw and Katie (Yahnke) Shaw. He graduated from Bloomfield High School and from the University of Iowa in 1938. On March 15, 1940, he was united in marriage to Martha Spivey. She passed away in 2000.

On April 7, 1943 Willis enlisted in the U.S. Navy as a Commissioned Ensign and began active duty in May of 1943. He was one of the original Navy Seals, then called the Scouts and Raiders. He participated in the D-Day invasion of France in 1944. He retired at rank of Commander in June 1966. He received many commendations from both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army during his service. He returned to Civil Service employment with the Naval Oceanographic Office and retired from that position in 1976 after 10 years of service.

Willis joined the Nevada Rotary Club in 1984 and continued as a very active member until the time he moved to Colorado. His contributions to Rotary were many and he was named to the Rotary Hall of Fame in 1991.

Willis is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Kathy Shaw, one granddaughter, Kristi Shaw, and one grandson, John (Heather) Shaw, all of Denver, Colorado.

Graveside services were held at the Nevada Municipal Cemetery on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 with military honors. Pastor Steve Williams of the United Methodist Church officiated.

Bacon Funeral Home and Crematory was in charge of arrangements.

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