Charles "Charlie" Shaw, 78, of Clever, Missouri, a devoted follower of Jesus, loving husband, father, grandfather, and "Papa," entered his eternal home on Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Born at home in Mansfield, Missouri, to Ervin Mack and Francis (Kinnamon) Shaw, Charlie grew up in Wright County alongside his mother and Don Latimer and later made his life in the Springfield and Clever areas. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968, training at Fort Leonard Wood and serving at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, and in Augsburg, Germany.

A hardworking provider, Charlie devoted 27 years of his career to Colonial Bakery/Sara Lee in route sales and supervision. He also worked with UPS earlier in his career and later served at the Battlefield Fire Department in a support role, where he encouraged young firefighters and shared his faith. In 2003, he joined a mission trip to Costa Rica to serve at Camp Summit with Missions Construction in Latin America.

Charlie's life was rooted in faith. A member of Second Baptist Church, he faithfully served with Gideons International (South Camp) since April 2010, including many years as Church Ministry Chairman. Each morning began with coffee and unhurried time in God's Word. Everything in his life reflected Christ and family—two things he cherished above all.

He also enjoyed life's simple pleasures. Charlie was a devoted fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Kansas City Chiefs, but admitted he enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting events even more. His hobbies included fishing, walking, woodworking, watching and feeding the birds, participating in church Bible study, and spending time with family—the activities that brought him the most joy.

On March 23, 2002, Charlie married Kathleen (Kathy) Girens, the love of his life. Their marriage was a testimony of peace, love, and devotion. Together they enjoyed Christian plays at Stained Glass Theatre, weekends at the lake in Branson, trips to the beach, and any time spent with family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kathy; his children Marcy (Mark) Allen, Wendy Shaw, and Jason (Korri) Shaw; Kathy's son Tommy (Debra) Canter; and Kathy's daughter Donna (Kevin) Tatum. Grandchildren include Drew and Sarah Allen; Miranda (Jesse) Wiser, Madison, and Mason Gayer; Jacob (Aley) Shaw and their daughter Eden; Katelyn (Dylan) Siebert and their daughter Kynlee; Kayla Shaw; Kathy's granddaughter Katheryn (Garry) Cantrell and their daughters Emilee and Jillyan; and Enoch and Wyatt Canter. He is also survived by his brother Carl (Evelyn) Latimer and sister Pat (Richard) Boatright.

Charlie was previously married to Patricia Kemm, the mother of his children, with whom he shared many years of family life.

He was preceded in death by his father Ervin, mother Francis, and Don Latimer; his brother Norman Shaw; his sister Christine Roy; and his grandson Thomas Canter.

Charlie's own words capture his heart and legacy:

1.    Read and study your Bible daily.

2.    Read a chapter of Proverbs every day.

3.    Find a good church where the pastor preaches the true word and get involved.

4.    Thank God every day for His blessings!

5.    Don't live by the world's standards, live by God's standards.

6.    Live your life for Christ, be ready, be on guard. Christ is coming back and it may be sooner than we think!

7.    The beginning of wisdom is the fear of the Lord.

Visitation will be held Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, 1947 E. Seminole Street, Springfield, MO 65804. Memorial Service will follow at 11:00 AM in the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at #5 Cemetery in Mansfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International, a ministry Charlie loved.