Howard Shaw

Howard Shaw, age 83, of Jerseyville, IIlinois, passed peacefully into eternity on June 14, 2024. Howard will be remembered by his intense love of family, his devotion to teaching and his strong work ethic, as well as his love of the outdoors. Howard, the son of Everett and Ada Shaw, was born and raised in Carrollton, Illinois, graduating from Carrollton High School in 1958. He went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in education from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) in Alton, then achieving a master's degree plus 32 additional credit hours. On June 18, 1961, Howard married the love of his life, Joan (Allen). During their life together, they welcomed two daughters, Shari and Jamie, to complete the family of which they dreamed. Leading by example, they taught their daughters to be respectful, to take pride in all their accomplishments, to walk in the light of the Lord, and to love with all their heart. Family blessings continued, and his most beloved role became being “Pampa”, not only to his grandchildren, but to their friends, and many daycare children throughout the years. Howard was devoted to the education of students, as was evident in his long career as a History and Government teacher in Alton, Illinois. He also enjoyed mentoring youth in various sports and activities. Not only was he a respected teacher and coach, but he spent many hours assisting with Joan’s business at Carrollton Florist and Greenhouse, as well as becoming a Federal Crop Adjuster. An avid outdoorsman, Howard loved deer hunting, turkey hunting, fishing, archery, and playing golf. He took great pride in making his own deer salami, which became a local legacy. He enjoyed these activities immensely, because it gave him the opportunity to spend time with his family and friends. Howard is loved and missed by his wife, Joan; daughters and sons-in-law, Shari & Mike Bridgewater and Jamie & Rick Lumma; grandchildren, Bryan & Laura Davis, Bradley & Tarah Davis, Blake Davis & Julia Benz, Jarrick & Hannah Lumma, Kendrick Lumma, and Christa & Brian Dunsing and Jennifer Bridgewater; along with nine cherished great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws Robert and Helen Allen, brother Don (Dora) Shaw, and sister Marylyn (Russell) Doyle-Bonnett. Howard wanted to share a special thank you to Gateway Cardiology and Meredith Walter for years of keeping him alive and to Dr. John Palcheff for keeping him enjoying life for so many years. A private Celebration of Life was held for the family, with Pastor Mark Myers officiating. For those wishing to honor Howard, memorials may be made to the Jersey Community Hospital Foundation in care of Gent Funeral Home, 2409 State Street, Alton, IL 62002.

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Howard Shaw

July 29, 1940 - June 14, 2024