Russell Gene Shaw, age 77, died peacefully on Sunday, May 30, at the Bennion Veterans Home in Payson, Utah. A combat war veteran of Vietnam, he served in the 195th Assault Helicopter Company, assigned to the gunship Thunder Chicken as a mechanic and door gunner.
Russell was born on July 26, 1943, in Evanston, to Walter and Phoebe (Robinson) Shaw. He had a very active and playful childhood, as he and his siblings enjoyed playing outside, playing in the nearby river, climbing trees, and being a boy. He attended Evanston High School, where he played the trumpet in band and was an all-state wrestler. Russell learned the value of hard work from an early age. He had many jobs as a youth and enjoyed stocking shelves, canal irrigation, spraying trees for pine beetles and delivering newspapers.
After graduating from high school in 1962, he joined the National Guard for a brief period, until he left and went on active duty in the Army. He served his country honorably from April 1966 to April 1968 and was dedicated to protecting and serving. At the end of his service, he returned home and received a job with the Naughton Power Plant, where he worked and provided for his family for 27 years.
Upon retirement from Naughton Power Plant, he continued to value hard work. He worked for Emerald Housing, Kemmerer Senior Center, R&G Waste Oil and the at the courthouse. He decided to enjoy his golden years and fully retired in 2003.
Russ married his eternal sweetheart, Linda (Bolen) Shaw, on Feb. 5, 1972. To this union they welcomed four daughters: Heather, Kimberly, Crystal and Jamie. He was a kind and loving partner to his wife, as well as an amazing father to his daughters. He taught his daughters how a girl should be treated and was the perfect example of a gentleman.
Russ was preceded in death by his mother, father, two sisters, one brother and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Russ is survived by his wife, Linda; his daughters and sons-in-law, Heather (Chad) Koske, Kim (Richard) Finley, Crystal (Shane) Clark and Jamie (William) Elmer; his 11 grandchildren, Hadley, Jalen, Tylene, Bryson, Makenna, Tristen, Sarah, Clayton, Trinity, Quinton and Xander; and his two great-grandchildren, Aspen and Jurnee (due in September).
A viewing will be held at the Kemmerer LDS Stake Center on Saturday, June 5, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Upon conclusion of the services, interment will take place immediately following at the Evanston Cemetery at 1 p.m.
Online condolences may be given at crandallfhevanston.com.
