Robert "Rick" Shaw

April 15, 1935 - August 5, 2021

Robert J. “Rick” Shaw, 86, Ozawkie, Kansas, passed away peacefully in his home on Thursday, August 5, 2021, with his wife, Diane, by his side. Robert was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on April 15, 1935, the son of John Joseph Shaw, Sr. and Claire Parsells Shaw. His father, John, immigrated to the United States from Clonmel, County Tipperary, Ireland, when he was 11 years old and was one of 16 siblings. The rest of the family came to the U.S. a few at a time by boat and entered through Ellis Island. John married Claire Parsells and together they had six children, Robert, Joan, John, Ruth, Claire, Kathi. As a young boy Robert, then known as “Bobby”, picked up various work to help support the family. Beginning at ten years old, He would throw papers with his trusty dog, Butch, by his side, later sold eggs and fresh produce, and in his early teens, Bobby was hired to give pony rides at Asbury Park. In high school, Bobby enjoyed playing in a band where he and his brother John would play with the young Bruce Springsteen. Just barely old enough to join the service, Rick became a member of the United States Air Force. He served as an aircraft mechanic and was also drummer for the military band. He was sent various places to play for fellow services men and women. Rick recalled once how they were playing a gig in North Africa but suddenly had to take shelter due to bomb sirens going off. After danger had past, they returned to their instruments and finished playing. He also shared a frightening story of when on base in North Africa how he was walking along and suddenly heard a fire of bullets hitting the sand behind him, frantic, Rick ran for cover amazingly avoiding the rain of bullets that chased behind him. When stationed in Topeka at Forbes Field, Rick met his first wife Nada; they had three sons, John, Jim and Jay B. Later, while working at the Kiwi Radio Station and adopting the nickname “Rick” he met his second wife, Susan Rodgers; they had three children, Kimberly, Kelli and Patrick. Rick and Susan ran and operated their company Exceptional Advertising. In 1997, Rick married Diane Arendt and they celebrated 24 years of marriage. They continued the advertising business as Exceptional Advertising Specialties until Rick’s retirement in 2004. Diane continues to run the business. Rick lived life to the fullest and loved to make everyone around him smile, children and adults alike. Whether singing a Willie Nelson song to a complete stranger, waving to a baby across the way or talking like Donald Duck to a little toddler at a grandchildren’s ballgame, Rick always had fun. His favorite pastimes were spending time with family, golfing and Karaoke. Rick and Diane enjoyed wintering in Florida as well as attending their grandchildren’s sporting events. Rick is loved by many and will be truly missed. Over the past 20 years recently Rick enjoyed golfing with family and friends, caddying for Patrick in golf tournaments, assistant supervisor for Kelli’s “ice cream shop” and Patrick’s lawn mowing customers, frequent visits with the children and grandchildren, extended winter stays in Florida, many times meeting friends from Kansas and singing karaoke. Also, well known by many as Willie Nelson for his love of singing to all and having am annual route for passing out Christmas gifts to all six children and grandchildren. Rick is survived by his wife, Diane; children, John Shaw (Sharon), Jim Shaw (Jana), Jay Shaw (Melanie), Kimberly “Kimmy” Hinck (Lonnie), Kelli Shaw and Patrick Shaw (Sarah); 13 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; siblings, Joan Legreggin, Claire D’Andrea (Mark) and Kathi Orozco. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, McKenzie Hinck and siblings, John Shaw, Jr. and Ruth Wiley. Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614. Rosary will be prayed at 12:30 p.m. Thusday, August 19, 2021, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 312 NE Freeman Avenue, Topeka KS 66616. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. Thursday at the Church. Funeral will be live streamed on the funeral home Facebook Page. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Rick Shaw Memorial Fund, and sent in care of Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd, Topeka KS 66614.Condolences may be sent online to www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.