Larry Wendell Shaw, 86, died Sunday, March 5, 2023 at Karen Acres Nursing Home in Urbandale. He was born Nov. 25, 1936, to James J. and Rachael (Jackson) Shaw in Mexico, Mo.
Larry was raised in Vandalia, Mo., and had a happy childhood on the family farm. He earned his bachelor of arts accounting from the University of Missouri at Columbia. He accepted an accounting job in Des Moines and moved there in 1963, where he passed his CPA exam in 1969. During his working years, Larry worked in the accounting field at several companies; however, some of his fondest working memories were from his time at Wolf & Co., where he also met lifelong friends.
Larry became a member of Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church in 1981, where he was reconfirmed and rededicated himself to his Christian faith. Larry loved people and enjoyed many lively gatherings with family and friends. He also enjoyed a good competition, whether on the softball field, at the pool table or playing games with family and friends.
Larry is survived by his children, Anne and James Daniel (Meg Sislak); sister, Jean Hoer; and former wife and friend, Judy Westphal, many nieces and nephews, former wife Jacquelynn Shaw, and a host of other family and beloved friends. His parents; beloved daughter, Beth; brothers, James Jr., Alvin, and Dwain; and sisters Virginia Cafer and Bettie Sisson, all died earlier.
A service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 13, at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 3900 Ashworth Rd, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. His cremains will be laid to rest at Vandalia Cemetery in Vandalia, Missouri at a later date.
Memorial contributions in loving memory of Larry may be directed to Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, Karen Acres Healthcare Center in Urbandale, Iowa, or to a charitable organization of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.