Ralph William Shaw passed away peacefully at home with his partner, Deborah Henning and beloved service dog, “Stormy” by his side on January 2, 2020, after a courageous battle against colon cancer.

Ralph retired after 26 years with the U.S. Army as a Master Aviator Flying Apache helicopters and fixed wing. He served two tours in Vietnam, where he most notably earned a Silver Star and two Bronze Stars.   Failing retirement,  he enjoyed working as a defense contractor in the Pentagon and with several other large defense companies across the country.  In between, he earned his seafaring Captain’s license.

Ralph is survived by a son, Taylor Shaw of Oklahoma City, Ok,  twin brother and sister, Donald Shaw of Arlington, VA and Doris Meagher of Peoria, IL., two nephews and two nieces.  Ralph had a full family . . . Two grandchildren,  five stepchildren, five step grandchildren.  Family friends, Cpt. Annette and Col. Bruce Westcott, Col. Teddy Cranford, BG Walt Mathers and Col. Gary Engel.  Ralph is precede in death by his parents, Captain William Clark Shaw of Hutchinson, KS, and Lt. Margaret Fay of Pittsburg, PA, and one brother,  Joseph Clark Shaw.  

Ralph lived a full life on his terms and enjoyed mentoring junior service members and co workers,  the Gulf of Mexico, fishing with his grandsons, flying, driving his beloved Porsche, meeting with fellow Vietnam Veterans at the Cumming, Ga Post.

He was buried with full honors on July 7, 2020,  in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia 

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