Richard Lauren Shaw

Richard Lauren Shaw, 92, of Choctaw Beach, Florida, passed from his earthly life into his eternal rest with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 19, 2026. Richard was born on February 15, 1934 in Seattle, Washington, to Leon M. Shaw and Esther V. Shaw.

At the age of 18, Richard joined the United States Air Force, and after serving in the Korean War, he was stationed at Blytheville Air Force Base in Blytheville, Arkansas, where he met and married the love of his life, Martha Shaw, on August 17, 1959.

After 20 years of proudly serving his country, Richard retired from his military career but by no means slowed down from various jobs. He was the happiest when he was busy. His family and the Lord Jesus Christ were his whole world.

Richard is preceded in death by his loving wife of 61 years, Martha Shaw; father, Leon Shaw; mother, Esther Shaw; sister, Edith Powell; brothers, Roy Shaw, Leon Shaw, and Dornald Shaw; stepson, Gary Ayers; grandson, Ricky Ayers; granddaughter, Julie Melton; and son-in-law, Ernie Shillingburg.

Richard is survived by his sister, Viola Thomson; daughter, Donna Householder (Gary); stepson, Rufus Ayers; stepdaughter, Judy Shillingburg; and grandchildren, Eric Cantrell, Blake Overman, Lauren Householder, Jennifer Miller, James Ayers, and Joshua Ward, as well as many great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The family will have a private celebration of life at a later date.