More detail on this person: Earle S. Shaw, 76, a resident of Blue Bell for the last 44 years, passed away January 22. He and his wife, Lorraine (Hayes) Shaw, celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on June 26th of last year. Born April 12, 1941 in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Earle S. and Anna (Lingo) Shaw. He was a 1958 graduate of Dobbins Vo-Tech High School and received his bachelor's degree in Secondary Education / Biology-Earth Science from Millersville State Teachers College in 1964. He was an Army veteran serving two tours of duty in the Vietnam War, retiring as a captain from active duty, and as a major in the Army Reserves. He was a member of the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots Association. Mr. Shaw was employed with the U. S. Postal Service in Lansdale from 1973-2006 and was a member of the National Active and Retired Federal Employees. Mr. Shaw was a member of Bethel Hill United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. He served on various committees at church, most notably as chairperson, with his wife, of the annual Chicken Bar-B-Que for 25 years. He also served as the sexton of the church for many years. Christmas was Earle's favorite time of the year. Dressed in his red and white Santa suit, he delighted many children at malls, fire houses and nursery schools. He even brought joy to an 80 year old woman who had never sat on Santa's lap before, and to the family of a newborn as they visited on their way home from the hospital. He was a proud member of the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Brenda Doll and her husband, Paul, of Gwynedd; three sons, Brian Shaw and his wife, Missy, of Lansdale; Barry Shaw and his wife, Jacki, of East Norriton; and Bruce Shaw and his fiancée, Tracy Waller, of Linfield; a brother, John Shaw and his wife, Susan, of Wayne; and seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ruth Grove. Relatives and friends are invited to the viewing from 10AM until 11:15AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:30AM on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at Bethel Hill United Methodist Church, 2000 Bethel Road, Lansdale, PA 19446. Burial will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the church. Arrangements are by the R. L. Williams, Jr. Funeral Home, Inc. of Skippack. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.RLWilliamsFuneralHome.com.
Burial information: R. L. Williams Funeral Home
This information was last updated 11/08/2019
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Date posted on this site: 10/13/2025
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