Dewey Herman Shaw passed away peacefully on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at his home in Mayo, Fla. Herman was born in Shamrock, Fla., to Dewey and Edna Raulerson Shaw on Sept. 25, 1931. After graduating from Lafayette High School, Herman enlisted with the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Jackson, S.C. Upon receiving an honorable discharge, he and Helen returned to work on the family farm. In 1960, Herman began a career as an insurance agent with Farm Bureau, serving both Lafayette and Taylor Counties for 25 years. Herman was a member of the Mayo Rotary Club, serving as president for two terms. Herman, along with his wife, Helen, and children, operated the family farm, growing tobacco and watermelons and raising beef cattle; upon retirement, Herman enjoyed hunting, fishing and growing a bountiful vegetable garden for his family and friends. Herman was an active member of the Alton Church of God. He served as church clerk and as a member of the church council. Herman and Helen had a heart for world missions as they supported numerous missionary endeavors locally and around the world. Herman was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Helen Odom Shaw; parents, Dewey and Edna Shaw; brothers, Gary Shaw and Wyatt Shaw; and sisters, Elaine Lancaster, Demetria Hewitt and Malinda Morgan. Herman is survived by his son, Mike (Freda) Shaw and daughters, Pam (Fred) Ward and Robin (Randy) Smith; eight grandchildren, Keith (Melissa) Shaw, Kyle (Darby) Shaw, Keri (Tyler) Dykes, Kody (Madison) Shaw, Phillip (Heather) Ward, Jill (Zeb) Bowdoin, Samantha (Joey) Chamberlain, Cameron (Alyssa) Smith; 18 great-grandchildren, Michaela (Jerrett) Kandzer, Kaypers, Tucker and Emerson Shaw, Ellery and Ethan Dykes, Wade and Worth Shaw, Davis and Ayla Ward, Noah, Beau, Myles and Amelia Bowdoin, Madison, Bria and Abigail Chamberlain and Sawyer Smith; and one great-great-grandchild, Caroline Kandzer; sisters, Freida Chesser and Gail Henderson; and a host of nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Alton Church of God with reverends Jeremy Davis, Timothy Hamm and Jimmy Legg officiating. Interment services followed immediately afterward in the church cemetery. The family received friends beginning at the church prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send a memorial donation to Taunton Family Children's Home, PO Box 870, Wewahitchka, Fla. 32465 or Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Blvd, Gainesville, Fla. 32606. All arrangements are under the direction of Burns Funeral Home of Perry.
