Russell Clinton "Russ" Shaw

SIOUX CITY -- Russell C. Shaw, 86, of Sioux City died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010, at a Sioux City hospital following a lengthy struggle with cancer.
A celebration of life service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Military rites will be conducted at the funeral home by the U.S. Army. Abiding by his wishes, cremation has taken place. Burial will be at a later date.
Russell was born July 8, 1924, in Floral, Ky., the son of Jahu and Matilda (Twigge) Shaw. The family lived on various farms in and close to Hawesville, Ky. At a very young age, he worked for local farmers from morning to night to help in the fields for $2.50 a week. When farmers no longer needed him, he would find work in town to help his parents. Russ was 12 years old when he became the bread winner of the family following his father's death. In 1939, the family moved to Sioux City. He attended West Junior High School and Central High School. He continued to work after school. One of his jobs was delivery, by bicycle, for Western Union Telegrams to local families.
He was inducted in the U.S. Army in February 1943. He served in southern France, Normandy, Rome, Arno, northern France, the Ardennes, Rhineland and central Europe. He received seven Bronze Battle Stars and a Good Conduct Medal. He was discharged in September 1945.
He married Mary Ann Stoos in December 1967, in Sioux City. Russell owned and operated several businesses in Sioux City. he was part-owner of the former Sioux Body Shop. He then owned the Gulf Station in South Sioux City. He was a longtime salesman for Salzness Buick. He also owned Bud's Bar in the Stockyards area for several years.
His passions throughout his life were boating, water skiing and golfing. He was a member of the Meadows Golf Club in Moville, Iowa. He also received several ribbons for his art as a champion woodcarver. Needless to say, he became the best regardless of the challenge. In his 60s, he participated in the Iowa RAGBRAI, riding across the entire state of Iowa. Russ and Mary were snowbirds, who spent the last 30 years in Texas, most recently in Mission, Texas. Many friendships were made and maintained because of their time spent there.
Survivors include his wife, Mary Ann of Sioux City; a daughter, Virginia Hurlbutt of Rochester, N.Y.; his son, Frank Stoos and his wife, Renee of Sioux City; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Joe Stoos; his favorite brother, Wilbur Shaw; his favorite sister, Elsie; and several half brothers and half sisters.
Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Feol, Amy Petrone, Tracy Everett, Kristy Popken, Wade, John, Joe, Ben and Mike Stoos and Doug, Gerald and Vernon Prewitt.
The family is requesting no flowers.
Russ was loved and respected by his family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all.