Norman Dean Shahan, age 88, passed away on Christmas Day 2022. Born November 29,1934 to Roy and Gertrude (Hagelstein) in San Angelo, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Earl (Gayle) Shahan, his son Scott Christopher Shahan and daughter-in-law Sandy Burtchaell, and his first wife, Charlotte Shahan.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Rebecca (Bricker) Shahan, his daughter, Robin Elizabeth Shahan of San Ramon, CA; grandson Kyle Shahan of Springfield, OH; Christian (Amy) Durbin of Yardley, PA; Michael Durbin of Mount Vernon, OH; Alicia Durbin of Austin, TX; Stephen (Bridget) Durbin of Christiansburg, VA and their children Brennan, Kathryn and Finnegan. Also surviving are his brother Glen (Linda) Shahan of Killeen, TX and his sister Helen Adams of The Hills, TX as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Additional information will be available on the Weed Corley Fish website.
Norman graduated from the University of Texas with a B.S in Chemical Engineering in 1958, the SMEI Graduate School of Sales Management and Marketing Syracuse University in 1974 and the Harvard Advanced Management Program in 1982.
Norman’s career was spent in various worldwide energy related manufacturing businesses. The bulk of it with Cooper Industries (1971-1995) Serving as the President of Cooper Oil Tool Group, Houston, TX from 1990-1995, and President of Cooper Energy Group, Mount Vernon, OH from 1984-1990. Prior to that he served in various positions including Vice-President Marketing and International from 1979-1984.
Following retirement from Cooper Industries, Norman served as President of Demag/Delaval Turbomachinery Group in Trenton, NJ from 1995-1997. During his career Norman served on the Boards of Directors of the American Petroleum Institute, Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association and National Ocean Industries Association, and on the Executive Committees of PESA and NOIA.
Eventually Norman had the opportunity to return to his native Texas where he and Rebecca were blessed to find many wonderful friends with whom they enjoyed golf, Tuesday Night parties and many other fun activities. An avid hunter, the family was able to enjoy the bounty of Norman’s hunts—dove, quail, venison, elk, and many fun times helping make his famous homemade boudin sausage.
In keeping with his life-long love of cars, Norman was able to indulge his passion for restoring old cars. He couldn’t stand to see “an old beauty” going to rust and was thrilled to have the opportunity to return so many of them to their former glory. Among the many things he enjoyed were his buddies in the “Friday Car Club” his participation in and his friendships in Model A Club of Austin, where he enjoyed many tours and rallies, including the “Great Race Texas” numerous times.
Mostly Norman loved spending time with family. Whether it was Christmas Eve drinking champagne, chasing the little white ball around the outdoors, or boating on the river and drinking margarita’s, working on the MG or GTO, or driving the Jeep around in the corn field…it didn’t matter, as long as it was with family. Norman loved attending the grandkids sports competitions and congratulating them on their academic accomplishments—and bragging about them to anyone who would listen!
Norman’s infectious laugh and sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him and his kind and generous spirit will be greatly missed.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Dr. Babu and the entire staff of the ICU at BS&W for their kindness and professional care during Normans most recent illness.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to The Salvation Army, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital or the charity of your choice.
