Bruce J. Shaw

Bruce James Shaw, 73, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away February 28, 2025. Bruce was born July 7, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas to Howard Allen Shaw and Thelma Louise Bahnmaier. 

Bruce grew up in Oakland and then North Topeka graduating from Seaman High School in 1969.

Bruce continued his education at Salina Area Technical College completing his welding and HVAC licensure and associates degree. He began work at Wilch manufacturing until 1985 and then went on to Soldier Township Road department working as mechanic and road maintenance until 2008, when he retired.

Bruce married Karol Kennedy Shaw on July 15, 1972--from that union he had three daughters, Michelle, Brenda, and Sherrie. They divorced. In 1992, Bruce met the love of his life Carol Eickman and they united in marriage on August 15, 1992; bringing two more daughters into the family, Allison and Gretchen.

Bruce was a member of Golden Rule Lodge #90, Helena Chapter #210 Order of the Eastern Star and Arab Shriners. In Arab Shriners, he was a member of the ’32 Roadster unit, until joining the Provost Guard Unit.

He enjoyed a multitude of things; giving people a hard time, woodworking and fixing anything he put his hands on. There was the retired yellow KS gas service truck he painted Wildcat purple. He decided after all the work on this truck there were easier ways. Even more ironic, Bruce became a KU fan after all that painting.

Survivors include his wife Carol, daughters Allison Emerson (Tony), Michelle Harman (Matt), Gretchen Eickman, Brenda Wilson and Sherrie Shaw; 10 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and a host of cousins and other family members. He was proceeded in death by both his parents and a younger brother Neal Shaw.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, a cause Bruce passionately supported.

The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 am on Friday, March 7th at Parker-Price & Davidson Cremations and Funeral Services, 245 NW Independence, Topeka Ks 66608. His funeral service will be beginning at 11:00 am Friday morning at the same location. Following the service interment will be in Rochester Cemetery.