Arthur D (Ad) Shaw

Arthur D. Shaw (A.D.), 86, of Celina, Texas, passed away on November 29, 2013 in Plano, Texas.

A.D. was born in San Antonio, Texas on April 9, 1927 to Arthur D. Shaw, Sr. and Dorothy Cameron (Johnson) Shaw. He had one older brother, "Pat" who would one day introduce him to the love of his life.

In 1945, at the age of 17 A.D. enrolled in the United States Navy. He was deployed to Nagasaki, Japan and served on the U.S.S. Olmstead. He was sent to bring back prisoners of war who were all suffering from malnutrition. Later, he served in a hospital where he saw many civilians who were suffering from flash burns; half of their bodies were perfectly normal and the other half looked like alligator skin. He attained the rank of Pharmacist Mate 2nd class.

A.D. graduated from Texas State Teachers College, (SWTSU) in 1949 with a degree in agronomy. On June 1, 1950 he married Marjorie Ann Sanders in Mount Pleasant, Texas.

After living in Fischer's Store, Texas and taking care of the family ranch, A.D. applied for a job with E.R. Squibb and Sons Pharmaceutical Company. In a career that spanned 43 years, he obtained membership in the coveted Hakeem Honor Society and was awarded the Edward Robinson Squibb Award for his leadership and sales success. He never met a stranger and he was everyone's favorite sales rep. A.D.'s job took him as far as Illinois, but always brought him back to Texas.

A.D. and Ann had 7 children. He loved each of them dearly and always dedicated his time to them. Whether they were hunting, fishing, building or watching a game, A.D.'s kids knew how much he loved them.

After retiring from Squibb, A.D. spent his time visiting his children and grandchildren, cooking at his church in San Antonio and helping out anyone that he could. He always had a kind word and usually a Spanish phrase to teach you, or to simply repeat: "no insectos aqui" or "nos vemos" were a couple of his favorites.

Three years ago, he and Ann moved to Celina, Texas to live with their daughter. In this short amount of time, they made close friendships with members of the Rock Hill Church of Christ and were always on hand at one of their grandsons sporting activities. A.D. was a doting husband, a loving father and the kind of friend that most people can only dream of having. Everyone who met him was captivated by his kindness and genuine love of life.


A.D. is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Emil Gilbert "Pat" Shaw and his oldest daughter Deborah Ann Eckenberg.

He is survived by his wife Ann of Celina, Texas, his children Dr. A. Donald Shaw and wife Peggy of Groves, Texas, Dean Shaw of San Antonio, Texas, Daniel Shaw and wife Elaine of Bulverde, Texas, Dana Shaw of San Antonio, Texas, Doug Shaw of Houston, Texas and Kristin Buchanan and husband David of Celina, Texas, fourteen Grandchildren and four great-Grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Rock Hill Church of Christ, 9426 Rock Hill Road, Frisco, Texas 75035 with Everett Hysten officiating.

The family suggests if desired, memorials be made in A.D.'s name to The American Lung Association (www.lung.org).