Larry Zane Shaw

Larry Zane Shaw, 86, of Knott, Texas passed away peacefully on May 2, 2014 in Oklahoma City, OK where he had lived for the past year with family. Funeral services will be 2:00 PM Tuesday at the Nalley-Pickle & Welch Rosewood Chapel. Interment will follow at Trinity Memorial Park.The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Monday at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home.He was born in Knott, TX June 19, 1927 to the late Summer and Angeline Shaw. Larry graduated from Garner High School in 1944. He joined the U.S. Marine Corp in 1945 and joked throughout his life that as soon as Japan heard he had joined the U.S. military, they surrendered. He took great pride in his service and that his grandson Chris Lepard also served in the Marine Corp. After the war he returned to Knott and entered the first ever class of students at Howard College in Big Spring. He was proud to participate in Howard College’s 50th year commencement with other students from the class of 1946-47.Larry met Bertie Faye Hinson of Ackerly, TX in 1947 and they were married in June of 1948. They were married for 56 years before Bertie died in 2004. On their 50th wedding anniversary dad wrote to her: “…when one sees the beautiful pictures of you Bertie they can see why I was so attracted to you when I met you in 1947. I wasn’t interested in anyone else after this, as I wanted you to be my wife and the mother of my children, so we were married in 1948, now after 50 years I still love you.” Bertie adored Larry as well and understood him like no other. It was clear to those who knew them best that they were still hopelessly in love with one another their entire lives together.Larry, with Bertie’s support as well as their children, built a significant and often awarded farming business in the Knott Community where they were active in the First Baptist Church, community, school and local politics. Larry was president of the Sands School District school board and instilled an interest in politics with many in his family that remains today. His farming operation, along with his employees were recognized by the Fort Worth Star Telegram as cotton farm of the year in Texas in the height of his career. Larry received Farmer of the year numerous times from several organizations and his farms were featured in the national Cotton Farming magazine as well as the prestigious National Geographic magazine.Larry’s love of politics was passed on to many of his relatives. Politics became a family wide interest under Larry’s encouragement. His son, Larry Don Shaw, was elected as a representative and served in the Texas House of Representatives for many years. Working in his son’s campaigns and watching his success as a legislator was a great source of pride and one of the highlights of his life. Larry attended the Democratic National Convention in New York with younger brother Delano Shaw. He inspired numerous family members to run for public office including his younger brother Roosevelt Shaw as well as his grandson Shawn Lepard. Larry’s message was that it was important to participate in the political process to try and make the world a better place.Larry is survived by his daughter, Linda Johnson of Oklahoma City. Linda was his buddy and steadfast caretaker throughout his life and especially during the past years when his health declined. She was his rock along with her husband Eric Johnson who always had Larry’s back when he was unable to do the things he once handled with ease…all while allowing Larry to keep a sense of pride and control in his life. Larry was most grateful for Linda and Eric’s support and knew it gave him years of independence.Larry is also survived by his son Larry Don Shaw of Austin and numerous loved ones. Grandsons: Shawn Lepard and wife Jennifer; Chris Lepard and wife Sally; Granddaughters: Brooke Schuelke and husband Clint; Brittany McGough and husband Chase and Aubrey Meyers and husband Knate. He is survived by six great grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters: Nelda Tobias and husband Dick; Joann Peugh and brothers: Roosevelt Shaw and wife Patsy; Franklin Shaw and wife Starlee; Ronald Shaw and wife Jennie. He also had numerous nieces and nephews.Larry was an especially positive and fun loving spirit. From practical jokes, fireworks and wonderful old sayings he was sure to put a smile on someone’s face each day of his life. He often quoted the great Will Rogers saying…”I never met a man I didn’t like.” You couldn’t be around Larry for long before being told upon good byes to “watch for snakes” instead of being told to be careful. He was dearly loved and will be missed by many far and wide. The world was a better place when he was around. Until we meet again dear Larry….”Watch for snakes!”Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,