Richard D. Shaw

Richard D. “Spank” Shaw, 61, of Gnadenhutten, went home to be with the Lord on April 27, 2012. Born November 17, 1950, he was a son of the late Roy A. and Jane Ann (Green) Shaw.

A life resident of our area, Spank was a 1968 graduate of Claymont High School. Following high school, Spank went on to serve his country in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War where he received the Combat Infantryman’s Badge in addition to many other accommodations.

Spank’s greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his six wonderful grandchildren who meant the world to him and lovingly called him “Papa”. Spank attained the honor of 32nd Degree Scottish Rite as a member of the Mystic Tie Lodge #194 F. and A. M. Spank was a member of Pleasant Valley U.M.C. In his spare time, Spank loved fishing and spending time outdoors. Spank retired from Valley Mining where he had worked for 35 years.

On June 28, 1969, Spank married Linda L. (Bonifay) who survives him at their home. In addition to his wife, Spank’s other surviving family includes his children, Brett A. and wife Jenny Shaw of Wainwright, Matthew R. and wife Tiffany Shaw of Gnadenhutten, and Melissa A. and husband Clint Haney of Uhrichsville; 6 grandchildren, Kyle Johnson, Olivia Shaw, Allison Shaw, Clay Shaw, Sophia Shaw, and Grant Haney; mother-in-law, Alberta Bonifay of Dennison; sister Sue and husband Ronald Reinker of Naples, FL; special Aunt Ellen Edwards of Dover; and numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law,and sisters-in-law.

In addition to his parents, Spank was preceded in death by his sister, Karen McKinley; his brother, Mike Shaw; his niece, Aimee Reinker; and his father-in-law, Charles Bonifay.

Services for Spank, officiated by Pastor Larry Malterer, will be held on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 1:00 pm in the R. K. Lindsey Funeral Home in Dennison. In keeping with Spank’s wishes, cremation will follow services. Family and friends are invited to call at visitation on Sunday, April 29, 2012 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.

Those wishing to honor Spank’s memory with a memorial donation are encouraged to do so in honor of his beloved grandson Grant to the Cystic Fibroses Foundation, Northern Ohio Chapter, 5410 Transportation Blvd., Suite 5, Garfield Heights, OH 44125.