Frederic Shaw

Frederic Carl Shaw, 83, Topeka, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Fred was born April 12, 1934, at Christ Hospital in Topeka, Kansas, the only child of George and Esther Bertschinger Shaw. The family moved to Tecumseh, Kansas in 1938 and Fred attended Tecumseh Grade School from September 1940 until he graduated in May of 1948. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1952. While attending Washburn University he was a member of the Independent Student Association and Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity. While a college student, Fred worked part time for the State of Kansas in the Revenue and Taxation Department and then full time in 1954 until 1957, when he had a short stint with the State Highway Commission. Fred was also employed by Sears Roebuck Company for over 10 years. He served our country as a member of the US Army Reserve 5905 USAR School from September 1953 until July 1956 when he transferred to the 109th General Hospital until May of 1964, when he was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant. Fred married Carol May Meyer, the daughter of Henry and Nellie Meyer of Effingham, Kansas on June 2, 1956, at St. Ann Catholic Church. In his words, “This is the best thing I ever did.” He also became a Catholic and joined the Church. Fred was employed by the Burlington Northern/ATSF Railroad from 1957 until his retirement in 1994. During that time he served as Bill Clerk, joined the Brotherhood of Railway Clerks, Lodge 427, now known as Transportation Communications Union #427, served as Stamp Passer and Chaplain, and was vice-president TCU Lodge #427. He served on the Chicken Fly Committee and the United Way Community Service Committee AFL-CIO. Fred received the Nathan Cave Award-Community Service AFL-CIO, in 1988. Fred was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church where he served as an usher, greeter, gift bearer and was on the Prayer Committee. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council No. 13012 and the James W. Gibbons Fourth Degree Assembly. He was a member of American Legion Post 400, member and past president of Heartland Mopar Club and COVA, Kansas Chapter, a member of New Beginnings Choir-Topeka Parks and Recreation, member and vice-president of NARVRE Unit #140, member and past president of BN/ATSF Retirees Club, member Top-Kan Twirlers, Democratic Action Committee, Washburn Walkers, Health Wise 55, Senior Spirit Club and member and chairman of Safe Streets Committee at Rose Hill Place. He volunteered at Let’s Help and in Admission and Registration at St. Francis Hospital. He was a former member of Good Sam’s Camping Club and Capital Sam’s Camping Club, Highland Park Booster Club and retired Democratic Precinct Committeeman-Ward 4, 7th Precinct, Highland Park. Grateful to have shared his life are his wife, Carol Shaw, children, Kathy Deghand (Dave), Denver CO, Kevin Shaw (Lori), Topeka, Marita Koster (Nick), Denver CO, Tammy Forshee (Eric), Topeka and Paul Shaw (Erin), Heath TX; 11 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. A Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree Rosary and Chalice Ceremony will be at 5 p.m. on Monday, May 8th where family will greet friends until 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 9th. Both will be held at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 2700 SE Virginia Avenue, Topeka KS 66605. Burial will follow in Mount Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to St. Matthew Catholic Church, sent in care of the funeral home.

Frederic Shaw

April 12, 1934 - May 3, 2017