Gordon Dwight Shaw

Gordon Dwight Shaw, born on May 1, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was called home on December 29, 2025, in Chesterfield, Missouri. He departed this world peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, love, and service.

Gordon’s education prepared him for vocational success with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology, (MIT) a Graduate Certificate in Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Northern Illinois University. His remarkable career began in the realm of technology, where he worked on microwave communications at Westinghouse. His professional journey took him to Litton Industries, which relocated the family to Dayton, Ohio, and later to Femco Corporation in St. Charles, Illinois. Gordon's path then led him to serve as the business manager for Judson University in Elgin, Illinois. Eventually, he became the esteemed business manager of Covenant Theological Seminary, bringing the family to St. Louis, Missouri, where they would reside for the next 52 years. In the latter part of his career, he founded KORBAN, a private computer consulting business, named after a Greek term from the New Testament meaning 'an offering or gift dedicated to the Lord.'

Gordon was not only a dedicated husband to his beloved wife, Jean Shaw, with whom he shared 75 wonderful years, but he was also a deeply devoted father to his sons, Andrew (Pam) Shaw and Peter (Sherry) Shaw, and cherished daughters, Carol (Tim) Fassler and Julia (Jeff) Stillwell. His love extended to his grandchildren—Melissa Shaw, Michelle (Than) Baylor, Matthew (Rachel) Shaw, Kaye (Bryan) Haldy, Mark (Alcian) Shaw, Michael (Gretchen) Shaw, Nathan (Kerry) Shaw, Ryan (Allyson) Fassler, and Andreae (Austin) Schuster—and great-grandchildren, including Nathan Baylor, Katherine Shaw, Rayce Haldy, Katya Baylor, Keon Haldy, Solstice Haldy, Ruby Shaw, Harbor Haldy, Shepherd Shaw, Gloria Shaw, Zeah Haldy, Archer Schuster, Ethan Shaw, James Fassler, Veronica Shaw, Thomas Fassler, Lydia Shaw, Ashton Schuster, Dwelle Haldy, Jeremiah Shaw, and Avery Fassler. Another great-grandchild, Joanna Shaw, is anticipated to join the family soon.

His life was characterized by an unwavering commitment to prayer and Bible study, guided by a passionate interest in reformed theology. Gordon was a godly husband and father who led his family in evening devotions and prayers, instilling the importance of faith in their lives. His influence extended beyond the family as he dedicated time to being active in various church leadership roles. He served on the boards of Friendship Village and Mark Sill Industries, and was actively involved with National Presbyterian Missions. For years, he served as a ruling elder—and often as treasurer—in Reformed Presbyterian churches in Irwin, Pennsylvania; Elgin, Illinois; and at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church in Chesterfield, Missouri. Together, Gordon and Jean faithfully supported many missionaries; both hosting them in their home, and providing financial support. They took a number of mission trips including Peru, Ecuador, Scotland, England, and Odessa, Ukraine.

Gordon supported Jean in all of her ideas and endeavors. They worked as a team, and he often used his "engineer brain" to turn her creativity into reality. Gordon's knack for problem-solving and his ability to fix nearly anything earned him the reputation of a go-to father figure, where patience and biblical wisdom shone brightly. His curious mind led him to enjoy tinkering with electronics and computer programming well before personal computers became commonplace. Notably, he was one of the first individuals in the country to build an Altair 8800 computer—the first commercially successful personal computer sold as a kit in 1975—reflecting both his passion for technology and his spirit of innovation.

His legacy is one of love—love for his family, his church, and his Lord. Gordon lived a life that was faithful and committed, always striving to honor God in every aspect. He will be profoundly missed by his family and friends who knew him as a gentle, wise, and inspiring figure.

A combined memorial service for Gordon Shaw and Jean Shaw will take place on January 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Chesterfield Presbyterian Church, located at 15037 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO, 63017. Following will be a luncheon at noon at The Commons, 14885 Clayton Road, Chesterfield, MO, 63017.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a gift in Gordon's name to Covenant Theological Seminary, or Chesterfield Presbyterian Church.