Malcolm L. Shaw

Malcolm L. Shaw, 87, of Dallas, Texas, passed away at his home on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Born September 6, 1935, in Dallas, Texas, Malcolm was the only child of Milton Amos Shaw and Fay Turner Shaw. He graduated from Highland Park High School. An athlete his entire life, he excelled in school as a baseball pitcher, having played many games at Reverchon Ballpark in a wool uniform in the stifling Texas heat. He lettered in baseball at Southern Methodist University, being named an All-Southwest Conference pitcher in 1956. Before attending law school, he played baseball professionally on the local Washington Senators farm club.

Malcolm graduated from Southern Methodist University’s Dedman School of Law in June 1960 and was admitted to the Texas and New Mexico Bars and to practice before the United States Supreme Court. He served as Assistant District Attorney for New Mexico’s Fifth Judicial District, after which he returned to Dallas, where he practiced general civil law, probate and estate planning, and taxation until his death. A lifelong learner and indefatigable reader, he earned five degrees, including a Master of Laws in Taxation, a Master of Business Administration, and a Master of Science in Economics, in addition to his undergraduate and Juris Doctor degrees. Among his professional interests, Malcolm also contributed articles to the SMU Law Review.

He served with the 49th Armored Division, Texas National Guard, and was stationed at Fort Polk in 1961-1962. During that time, he built a baseball diamond and was player/coach of the Fort Polk baseball team. One of its highlights during his tenure was beating the 4th Army.

Malcolm was an active Freemason for more than 65 years. Initiated into Tannehill Lodge No. 52, A.F. & A.M., in 1957, he served as its Master in 1986 and received the prestigious Golden Trowel Award in 1999.

He was especially active in Scottish Rite Masonry, where he received the 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary and served as Wise Master of the Dallas Scottish Rite Chapter of Rose Croix. There is a class photo on display at the Dallas Scottish Rite Cathedral showing Jack Hightower, Audie Murphy, and Malcolm Shaw among its new graduates. He was also a member of Hella Shrine, a Past Sovereign of Saint Mark Conclave No. 13, Red Cross of Constantine, and a Past President of the 14th District Masters, Wardens, and Secretaries Association. A Past Commander of Dallas Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar, he received its esteemed Excalibur Award in 2016.

Malcolm’s was a life of exploration. In addition to Freemasonry and intellectual pursuits, his many activities and interests included boating, flying, hunting, fishing, and photography. He held an instrument-rated private pilot’s license and was a certified flight instructor. He was a valued member of the Dallas Sail and Power Squadron of America's Boating Club for more than fifty years, having served as its Squadron Commander and Squadron Law Officer. He attained the rank of Senior Navigator, the highest educational level USPS offers, and was a member of its Governing Board Emeritus, having earned fifty years of Merit Marks.

Malcolm’s electric personality and incisive wit will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.

A funeral service for Malcolm will be held Saturday, December 17, 2022, 2:00 PM at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX ,75225, followed by a committal service in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, Shriners Children’s Texas, or the Dallas Scottish Rite Library and Museum.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Sparkman-Hillcrest.com for the Shaw family.