Joseph William Shaw

Joseph William Shaw passed away on April 26, 2023, surrounded by his family at the proud age of 97 1/2. Joe was born on the family farm in Oberlin, Kansas October 16, 1925. He was the oldest of five children of Guy and Mary (Cathcart) Shaw. He attended Decatur County schools, lettering in track and basketball in high school. Joe told a lot of stories about growing up in rural Kansas during the dust bowl and the great depression. During that time, he learned the value of honesty and hard work and the necessity for frugality.

He joined the army in 1944, earned his paratrooper wings and served in the European theater with the 252^nd Engineer Combat Battalion.

He graduated from Barnes School of Commerce in Denver. While on a blind date with friends at Berthoud ski area he was introduced to Lucille Coker. They were married a year later, and three children were born of this loving union. In 1955 they moved to Durango with Conoco Oil Company. Joe was a bulk distributor for western Colorado.

In 1961 they purchased The Durango Magazine and Book Store in the 1100 block of Main Avenue which they owned and operated for almost 20 years. Because of its proximity to the old high school, students would frequent the store during their lunch hour because the store carried candy, soda and had pinball and foosball machines. Their loyal customers could also purchase hobby items, fishing supplies and topographical maps. Joe and Lucille came to know many of the kids and customers personally and Joe could remember their names and faces all his life. 

The couple retired in 1980 and spent the next twenty years traveling, playing golf, hiking, fishing, snow shoeing and cross-country skiing.  They loved living in the beautiful San Juans. Joe was a long-time member of the First Presbyterian Church in Durango.

Lucille passed away in 2002. Several years later he married Mary Taylor, and they enjoyed 11 years together until her death in 2020.

In addition to his wife Lucille and their infant twin sons, he was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Bonnie Olson and Elna Fortin; brother Ralph Shaw; and second wife Mary.

Joe is survived by his brother Garry (Jean) Shaw of Longmont, son Kenton (Sarah) Shaw of Grand Junction, daughters Shirley (Greg) Drover of Durango, Mary Ann (Chris) Keiss of Craig. Joe’s nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, soon to be 13, were a source of immense pride and joy. He is also survived by multiple nieces and nephews.

Joe will be remembered for his quiet nature, dry sense of humor and for setting the moral and spiritual compass for his large family.

Services will be held on Saturday, May 6^th at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church, 1159 E. Third Ave., Durango. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The First Presbyterian Church Durango.