Lawrence Joseph "Papa Shaw" Shaw

Lawrence (Larry) Joseph Shaw, aka Papa Shaw, of Lucas, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Nebraska Medical Center on February 10, 2026. Born on December 23, 1956, in Des Moines, IA, to James and Margaret Shaw, he was the third of four boys. Larry graduated from Dowling Catholic High School in 1975 and then pursued higher education at South Dakota State University, where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Animal Science. There, he was part of the Livestock Judging team and represented SDSU at national levels in competitions. After college, he worked on the family farm, raising cattle and crops while additionally working as an auctioneer at multiple livestock barns and later in livestock supply regional sales. He continued a long family tradition of taking loving care of the grounds at Holy Cross Cemetery for many years and served on a number of committees in leadership of the Holy Cross Church faith community.

He was the very proud father of one daughter, Tracy, and a beloved son-in-law, Mike Backus of Des Moine,s and proud "Papa" of his two granddaughters, Gwen and Kennedy. They were the center of his universe. He enjoyed watching them participate in many sports and activities and rarely missed any events.

Larry is survived by his brothers, Bill (Gwen) of Johnston, John (Tracy) of West Des Moines, and Bob of Lucas, nieces, Erin (Adam), Chelsea (Joe), Ashlan (Adam) and nephews Brendan (Leigh), Nicholas and Tristan, as well as multiple close cousins and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Margaret Shaw.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, February 16, 2026, at the St. Mary-Holy Cross Catholic Church in Elkhart. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-4:30 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 4:30 p.m,. also at the church. Burial will be at the Holy Cross Cemetery.