David Lee Shaw

For the last few years Dave has been reading the obituaries. He said it was because it was interesting to learn about the many accomplished people who lived in our community. But every once in a while, I would hear him say, "I beat you." So for those born before April 7, 1932 … Congrats!

David Lee Shaw was born in Austin, Tx at St. David's Hospital to George and Anne Shaw of Llano, Tx. He lived there for about 4 years until his mother, a young widow, moved with her boys to Austin. He went to Austin High until his Junior year when his mom remarried and moved with him to Rapid City, S.D. where he graduated high school in 1950. He joined the Navy in 1951, serving on an aircraft carrier during the Korean War. He met and married Phyllis Muncie in 1951 and they had 4 children. The young family moved to many different states, such as Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania before being able to move to Austin, the city his heart always called home. Dave worked for Liberty Mutual as a claims adjuster for 32 years; a period of time that lasted longer than both of his marriages. This job obliged him to move to New Mexico and El Paso and back to Austin in 1982, this time for good.

He was a very social man who loved to host parties for co-workers and friends. At one of them, he managed to snag his wife of 20 years, Velma Guzman. This involved a hot tub, a pretend call for a cab, and a whole lot of laughter. But that is another story.

He is survived by his son, Lee Shaw and his wife Diana of Bakersfield, CA; his daughter, Beth Williams and her husband Tony of Vanderbilt, TX, his daughter, Ellen Smith and her husband Kevin of Dawsonville, GA, and his son, David Lane Shaw of Leander, TX; his niece, Diane Elston; his nephews, George and Douglas Shaw; his 12 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; his dog Bonnie; and his wife, Velma Guzman.

Please join the family for a memorial celebration of Dave's life on June 6th at 3:30 pm at 2620 South Congress Ave at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home.