Percy F. Shadwell Sr.

Percy Franklin Shadwell, Sr. went to the Lord on June 23, 2018. Born in Chester, PA on October 24, 1929, he had a life that few men can boast. He was 18 when he joined the Navy. One of his first duty stations was aboard the USS Edisto AGB-2, an ice breaker. During those years his ship led expeditions to Antarctica and the Arctic icepack. On the first expedition with Admiral Byrd, he and his shipmates established one of the earliest permanent bases in Antarctica, which later became known as Little America. He was also decorated for distinguished service in the Korean and Vietnam conflicts. As part of the crew on the USS Long Beach CGN-9, he participated in the first around the world cruise of the new nuclear surface fleet in 1964. He retired from the US Navy in 1968 and started his second career as an electrical control designer. In this endeavor, he completed many important projects.

He is predeceased by his wives, Joyce A. Buxo, Clarice E. Leddy, and Holly V. Jerry, also by his daughter with Joyce, Janice M. Turner. His is survived by his sons Percy F. Shadwell, Jr. and David A. Shadwell, Sr., and his daughter Kathleen F. White, also four grandsons, and a great granddaughter. And he is survived by many loving step children from his second two marriages, all of whom he treated as his own blood kin.

To characterize Shad’s life there are a few key parts to his personal philosophy. He believed in working hard and always delivering his best effort. He believed in fairness in all things. He tried to put everyone around him at ease. And finally, he was generous and giving to a fault. He was proud of all of his children, and they were all proud of him.