Dick Arthur Shaw, 83 of Overland Park, KS passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday, April 9, 2023.
Dick was born on May 31, 1939 to parents Frank Sr. and Ruth Shaw in Kansas City, Missouri. Dick was the youngest of three boys (Ted Shaw, and Frank Shaw Jr). After graduating from North Kansas City High School in 1958, Dick began working at Shaw Electric Company with his father, uncle and two brothers. During his 58 years with the company Dick oversaw the electrical design for many of the prominent buildings & companies across the Kansas City metropolitan landscape. To name a few, One Kansas City Place, Corporate Woods, Executive Hills North & South, Kroh Brothers Construction and numerous hospitals throughout the city. Dick also served on various boards during his tenure including NECA, and the Midwest Builders. Dick became President & Chairman of the Board of Shaw Electric in 1972 and the CEO in 2000 and saw the company grow to at one time over 300 employees. Dick “retired” in 2016 but enjoyed going to “the shop” often to visit and check on various projects. At his “retirement” in 2016, Dick was proud to know that two of his sons (Ned Shaw & Dustin Shaw) and his nephew (Bob Blake) & great nephew (Ryan Blake) were confidently leading the company into the next generation.
Dick met the love of his life, Virginia Lee Jefferson, on a blind date in 1959. The two were inseparable from that date on. After their first date, walking to Virginia’s doorstep, Dick said, “Stick with me and I’ll show you the town.” Dick & Virginia married on November 24, 1962 at Evangel Temple in Kansas City, Missouri. Dick & Virginia raised four “wonderful” boys Lee Weston, Jeff Arthur, Ned Roberts, (Kimberly), and Dustin Lane, (Kendra) in Stilwell, KS. Dick was so proud of each of his boys and would never miss a ball game or dinner, sometimes heading back into the office after the boys were asleep. Dick and Virginia have five wonderful grandchildren Adyson Wheeler, (23) (Boone), Averey Shaw, (21), Jack Shaw, (19), Grace Shaw (deceased) and Owen Shaw (17), who they cannot be more proud of. Being a grandfather was one of Dick’s greatest joys. Together the Shaw family enjoyed spending time together on family trips, sporting events, theatrical performances and most of all church.
Dick gave his life to the Lord in 1959. His godly example has influenced not only his family’s faith but countless individuals who have been led to the Lord because of Dick’s loving guidance. Generational blessings is an understatement. For 64 years he faithfully served the Lord in any capacity needed. Initially, Dick and Virginia attended Evangel Temple and loved their time serving with their wonderful friends and Pastors GW and Barbara Hardcastle. They attended Evangel Temple until they found their way to Antioch Family Worship Center (Antioch Church) in 1987. Pastors Dennis & Rhonda Slavens became quick friends with Dick & Virginia & have remained so to this day. Dick was ever the faithful servant until the very end serving as a church board member, Deacon, Elder and loyal congregation member until the end. In addition, Dick proudly sat on the Advisory Board & supported the Billy Graham Crusade, Kids N Missions, & was a staunch supporter of the Jesus film.
Dick is rejoicing in Heaven & preceded in death along with his parents, Frank L and Ruth Shaw, his brothers Frank L Shaw Jr and Ted Shaw, his granddaughter Grace Elizabeth Shaw, his mother-in-law Elizabeth Jefferson (Grandma Great) and his many friends.
Visitation for Dick A Shaw will be held at Antioch Church (5201 Antioch Rd. Overland Park, KS 66202) on Sunday, April 23 from 4:00pm – 5:30pm followed by a Celebration of Life at 5:30pm. Graveside burial services will be private. The service can be live-streamed at Antiochchurch.com/memorial
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Grace Elizabeth Shaw Foundation via PayPal or to Antioch Church.
Dick’s greatest joy would be to know that each member in this service would know our Lord and Savior. We know his impact is far reaching and there are many in this room who’s life Dick has touched.
We give the praise and honor to Jesus for your faithful servant Dick A Shaw. A life well lived. We love you Papa.
What a beautiful life! Lots of love to you all. Love- The Simeroth’s
This is a beautiful tribute to Dick Shaw.
Dick , will be missed by many! Dick has been a mentor and inspiration to me for over 45 years . Dick, thank you for all the kind words, slap on the back and collars grabs, but most of all the way you followed Jesus and showing others by leading by example. Some day we will be together again in heaven and I will be expecting a slap on back and your words “do you need me to straighten you out” love Joe .
Delbert has wonderful memories of all of the Shaw’s from grade school, working at Shaw Electric 💡, being dear friends, fishing trips. Our thoughts & prayers 🙏🙏 being sent to family 💖. Delbert’s in hospital in Springfield MO, or we would be at Dick’s service
DICK was a very kind man. We were blessed to know him!
Terry & Susie Reardon
This is a beautiful tribute to Uncle Dick. He was kind loving and always had a smile on his face.
Jeff and I send our condolences. Virginia, Lee, Jeff, Ned, and Dustin, the Harmons are thinking of you in Montana and praying God’s comfort over you. Dick was one-of-a-kind. The world is a better place because of his life!
Jay and I were so blessed to have the opportunity to get to know Dick and Virginia (and their wonderful family) as a result of being asked to join one of many small groups they hosted in their home. Having lost my father several years earlier, I instantly took to his gentle wisdom and his love for Jesus and my husband, who never felt close to his father, well, all I can say is Dick had a way of making him feel known and loved each time he would see us in Church or during our small group meetings. Even in our sadness, knowing he is with the Lord and enjoying the rewards of a life well lived blesses us so much!
Phenomenal overview and life lived. RIP Mr. Shaw. Love always.
Our paths crossed with the Shaw Family while attending Evangel Temple in the 70’s. We have many fond memories of celebrating good times and events with the Shaw family. They literally adopted our family when our daughter, Cheri, was hospitalized in Kansas City. We had some great times, also, at the lake. Dick embraced life and was a godly man who was generous, loving and kind. He will be sorely missed
by those who loved him!
Uncle Dick you were a gem . As a child in the backseat of you’re car and you teaching us about the different lights on the freeway. Always a man with so much knowledge and love. Loved sitting next to you when we were there last year my honor 💙🙏you sorely will be missed.
Virginia and family-
We consider it a great privilege to have known Dick and his faithfulness to his Jesus! He loved his church, his sweetheart and family and many friends! We feel honored to be considered his friend!
Back in the day, he sponsored my son’s baseball team “The Thunderbolts” and blessed many young boys to be able to play.
His company faithfully worked on The Belton Regional Hospital addition that my husband oversees. So personally and professionally there was no one better!
He will be greatly missed, but it’s not goodbye, but see you later!
We are keeping his family in our prayers for strength and peace in all the days ahead!
In deepest sympathy,
Mary and Todd Krass
Robert Krass, The Thunderbolt
Everyone in our family has been impacted by Dick Shaw. Dick was always a kind and encouraging friend to us all. We loved our time in your home on so many occasions and out to dinner too. We now have a place missing our life since he is gone. To Virginia, Lee, Jeff, Ned, Dustin, the girls and all the grandkids, you will all be in our prayers as you walk through this season.
Dick was a awesome man and mentor he was incredible and will be missed forever but. I remember him going to the lake of Friday’s to go fishing and coming back on Saturday to be ready for church.
I was a big guy and he always put his arm around my back and patted me and asked how my day was going. And I learned from him
how special that was!
i
remember one time landscaping at his house he asked me what I was going to do with the money at the end I told him
i was going to be buying a different house. He asked when I closed I told him and he didn’t say anything. It was a wet summer and I was two days from finishing. He calls me the night before and asks if I needed anything. I said no.
The next morning he calls and asked if I needed anything. I said no and he said Dave you close on your new house today and if you need any money let me know don’t lose your house. You are almost done I will pay you the money now. I said I was using his money for furniture. And I was! But this man and as busy as he was with everything took the time to remember me. And put it in his schedule and ask
What a privilege to have known the Shaw family over the years. Dick and Virginia were always an inspiration to Gene,Dave and me. When Gene went t o be with the Lord,Dick took David under his loving wing as an earthly father. David loved taking Dick to lunch ocassionaly. When that was no longer possible, David really felt that loss.
Someday we will be together with our Heavenly Father. What a joy that will be!
Virginia and family hold on to the many good times Dick was able to share with you over the years. God Bless You through this difficult itime!
What a great friend Dick always was, always had a Hello, How are you, a Handshake, and a his big Smile. RIP Dick
Amazing life what a precious tribute
A man truly to be respected and admired for his accomplishments, but mostly for his Christian example and dedication to his family. So comforting to know he’s in the presence of the Lord with so many loved ones. I’m sure Grace is back on his lap.