Leo Stuart Shaw

Burial services for Leo Shaw, 94, of Lawrence, Kansas will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday September 20th , at Oak Hill Cemetery: 1605 Oak Hill Avenue, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044, in Section 18.

Mr. Shaw died Tuesday, September 3rd, 2024 at Kansas University Medical center, surrounded by his family.

He was born November 7, 1929 in Ottawa, Kansas, the son of William and Naomi Shaw. He graduated from Lyndon High School in 1947.

Mr. Shaw served in the Korean War as Corporal from 1951 – 1953. He owned and operated the Tonganoxie Grain elevator from 1949-1965, and was the owner of Leo Shaw Maintenance until retirement. He was a private pilot for many years and later in life, he became the “singing cowboy” playing guitar and singing in the surrounding area.

Leo was a man of many interests and was always in motion from tending to his vegetable garden, mowing his lawn, soaking his overnight beans and working on a house project or bringing someone a bit of cheer through his music. He established his own website to document his time in the military and wrote several books about Korea. He was curious and industrious and a cowboy in every sense of the word.

He married Wanda Clark in 1963 (who passed away in 2009) and has two adopted children, Virginia and David. In 2009, he met a wonderful woman who became his partner of the last 15 years, Eugenia Bryan.

Survivors include his son, David and daughter Virginia along with Eugenia Bryan and her family, 5 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends.

Burial services (standing) will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 20 th at Oak Hill Cemetery and a celebration of life will follow at the Union Pacific Depot (Community Room) from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m: 402 N. 2nd Street, Lawrence, Kansas 66044.

Messages & Condolences

From Stanley Unruh...

I got to know Leo at open mic events in Lawrence. We both had identical Martin D35 guitars. Leo was very fond of the old cowboy songs and Hank Williams tunes. Only a few months before his death, I ran into him at HyVee pharmacy and reconnected with him. He gave me a card with his web site and I read his interesting stories. I am very sorry to hear of his passing.

From Jere Hummelgaard...

Rest in peace Uncle Leo.

From Betty Teresso...

What a beautiful relationship you shared with Leo, Eugenia. I’m sure his passing leaves a hole in your life, and pray memories of that love will soften that sadness. Know you are lovingly surrounded by friends as well as family.

From Shirley Rose Hummelgaard...

Goodbye to my big brother. Love and hugs to all his loved ones and many friends.

From Ellyn Louise Owen...

Leo was always full of stories and wise sayings. He loved his yard and garden and spending time with Eugenia and friends and making music. He will be missed.

From Robyn herzog...

Trudy David
So sorry for your loss

From charles kincaid...

What guy and friend. He could play the guitar and sing and fix anything. At heating and air conditioning there was no better. He was good to me and Claudia and was so good to Wanda. Leo always made us all happy. My heartfelt sympathy to Virginia,David,and Eugenia.

From Alex Pickerel...

My family and I have enjoyed seeing Leo outside and greeting him. We have lived next door to Eugenia for more than 20 years and have met him one day at a potluck on her patio. Sometimes around holidays they would bring us baked goods too. I will miss seeing him from my parents back deck. Prayers for Leo’s family at this time.

From Robyn herzog...

Truly and family soo sorry for your loss

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