Thomas "Tom" Eugene Shaw

Thomas “Tom” Eugene Shaw, born March 22, 1942, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, with his loving wife of 62 years by his side holding his hand. He was a devoted husband, extraordinary father, proud grandfather, and deeply cherished great grandfather whose life was defined by hard work, generosity, and unconditional love.

A man who could seemingly do anything, Tom was self-taught in countless trades and skills. He excelled in math during school, graduating from IVCC with an associate’s degree in accounting and taking various additional accounting classes at Bradley University. He began his adult career working locally as a Cost Accountant at Westclox and Borg Warner. He still had a passion for creating things and working with his hands to help people. Whether it involved construction, mechanical equipment, fixing vacuums, building something from scratch, or solving problems others could not, he approached every challenge with determination, intelligence, and remarkable craftsmanship. In his younger years as a craftsman, he helped build and maintain bridges and even worked on refurbishing the Starved Rock Lock and Dam, leaving pieces of himself in the very structures people rely on every day.

But his greatest masterpiece was the life he built with his wife, Nancy, and the family he adored. He was the best dad Brenda, Rhonda, and Brian could ever ask for, the coolest grandpa to seven fortunate grandkids, and absolutely over the moon for his three-and-a-half great-grandchildren. Tom was a kid at heart, always dreaming up fun, wild, wonderful plans for the whole family.

Tom would help anyone who needed it, no questions asked. Kind, humble, caring, loving, thoughtful — he lived those words, not just wore them. And if you ever heard one of his stories, you know he was a natural storyteller, spinning tales that made his kids and grandkids laugh, think, and feel loved.

Tom was also a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness, always ready to lend a hand at the Kingdom Hall and support his brothers and sisters in faith and carrying out the preaching work however he could.

Tom is survived by his wife, Nancy (Hartman) Shaw, his daughters Brenda (Daniel) Wrobleski and Rhonda (Joseph) Bezely, and his seven grandchildren: Nicholas Wrobleski, Heather Wrobleski, Collin (Sydney) Bezely, Rachel (Evan) Bean, Hailey Shaw, Bryce Shaw, and Brayden Shaw. He is also survived by his three and a half great-grandchildren, Louisa and Lottie Bezely, Leah Bean, and baby boy Bean – whom Grandpa hoped would be named “Nail” – as well as a niece and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Brian Shaw, on October 18, 2018, his father, Frank Shaw, mother, Helen Ryan, brother, James Shaw, and sister, Carol Carruthers.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 6, from 1-3pm at Dysart – Cofoid Funeral Chapel 208 S. McCoy St. Granville, IL, with a sharing of memories beginning at 3pm.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, and quiet strength. He will be missed beyond words and forever remembered. Deepest sympathy to all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

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