Leon Shaw

Leon Shaw, age 98, of Kaneville, passed away peacefully into the arms of his Savior, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 17, 2019. Surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, he is finally reunited with his loving wife Lois, who has been patiently waiting to travel the Heavens, side by side.
He was born December 27, 1920 on the family farm in Kaneville Township, to proud parents, Clyde and Marcia (Humiston) Shaw.
Leon grew up in Kaneville and attended local schools. He graduated with the class of 1939 at Big Rock High School. He was called “Sparrow” because of his skinny legs, but those legs carried him well on the hardwood, scoring baskets with ease. He also made a name for himself in the band where he played the Tuba.
Following his graduation from high school, Leon continued to farm with his family, tending to the acres of his youth. Up with the dawn and never done before the job was finished, Leon had farming in his blood.
Leon made a habit of going to the Kaneville Store , supposedly only because of gas rationing, but everyone else knew better, including Lois Bower who served him his daily ration of ice cream. The spark they found together fueled a love that would last almost sixty-nine years, but it all began on March 10, 1945 at the parsonage of the Kaneville United Methodist Church. It was a point of pride for both Leon and Lois, but she was always fond of saying that she started out with a sailor but ended up with a farmer.
In 1945, Leon answered the call of his country and enlisted in the United States Navy. He served in the Pacific as a fireman in Motormack and V.P. Boot (a 36 foot landing craft) and sailed on the U.S.S. James O’Hara PA90. He returned to civilian life following his honorable discharge as a Motor Machinist’s Mate third Class, in 1946.
The first year of marriage found Leon and Lois at his parent’s house for a time before making their home on a farm on Lasher Rd. Though the original home grew a bit over the years, it was always overflowing with love, laughter and million memories made by a growing family and wonderful friends. Farming never left his heart, but he left his fields in 1988, but still made his presence known for several years after.
Leon was on the Elburn Co-op Board for over twenty years, serving as president as many as three separate times. He was a past member of the American Legion in Big Rock and the Loyal Order of the Moose in Aurora. Leon was also a long time member of the daily “coffee clutch” in Elburn where he dutifully met each afternoon paying for his time in equal parts coffee and gossip.
Leon was a force to be reckoned with, and with all that it implies. Advice was dispensed liberally and his opinions were as deeply rooted as any oak. In his younger years, Leon was quite the sight on a pair of roller skates. He would skate forwards as fast as he could backwards, skating circles around the competition and family alike. Leon and Lois loved to travel all over the globe. They traveled to over 22 countries between them including Hawaii, Australia, Alaska, Panama Canal, several points in Europe, not to mention every state in the union except for Connecticut. They both were staples at several area restaurants for up to three meals a day, making it difficult for anyone to just “drop by”. Once the chores were done, they were on the road visiting fairs, looking at antique tractors and playing an untold number of practical jokes on absolutely everyone, many more than once! He also had a repertoire of jokes he’d like to share and even had a few where he had to be careful of his audience. Lois loved to sing anywhere and everywhere, often accompanied by Leon who sang harmony. Leon also was known to knock down ten pins at a time at the local bowling alley. His shadow looms large over the countryside and his loss is felt my many, but Leon left an indelible mark and will always be remembered.
He is survived by four children: Cheryl (Bill) Keller. Rollin (Sara) Shaw, Colleen Christensen and Rene (Marty DeMararis) Shaw; nine grandchildren: Kevin (Susan) Keller, Kimberly (George) Slavik, Shari (Troy) Schrader, Marcia (Kyle) McKittrick, Wayne (Liz) Shaw, Dane Christensen, Haley Christensen, Paul (Jessica) Borst and Mitchell Borst; Eleven great-grandchildren: Jade Schrader, Madison Schrader, Brynley Schrader, Kellan Schrader, Jack McKittrick, Noah McKittrick, Hayden Shaw, Nicolette Provenzano Joseph Provenzano, Gino Slavik, and Alexander Keller; many nieces, nephews and a countryside of friends
He is preceded by his parents Clyde and Marcia Shaw, his wife Lois; one great-granddaughter, Gianna Provenzano and two siblings, Erwin Shaw and Alice May Jandt.
Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, July 19, 2019, at the Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main St, Kaneville,, IL 60119. A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow at 7 p.m., also at the church. Burial will follow Saturday, July 20, at 10 a.m., at Kaneville Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Leon’s name. Checks may be made to the “Leon Shaw Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.

A funeral service to celebrate his life will follow at 7 p.m., also at the church.

Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Friday, July 19, 2019, at the Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main St, Kaneville,, IL 60119. Burial will follow Saturday, July 20, at 10 a.m., at Kaneville Township Cemetery.

Kaneville Cemetery