Richard Dix Shaw

Dick was born in E. Providence RI, the son of Joseph Shaw and Clara (Murphy) Shaw. Upon graduation from E. Providence High School, he joined the US Marine Corps, where he proudly served for 20 years, earning the rank of Master Sergeant. He was without a doubt, a true patriot.

After retiring from the USMC, Dick worked as a Field Electrical Engineer with Hughes Aircraft Company, and later with Boeing Company, before retiring in Yuma. Near the end of his military career, he married the love of his life, Deanna (Howe) Branche, with whom he shared nearly 35 years of marriage until she passed in 2012.

In his spare time, Dick loved to spend time on his sailboat with family, friends, and often times, solo. He enjoyed riding through the desert in his jeep, and helping his friends and neighbors whenever needed. His close friends describe him as generous with his time and resources, always. He was an avid long-range shooter spending nearly every day at the range, during his last several years. Always eager to teach and spend time with youth, he also enjoyed participating in the Rifle Club Youth Program, which involved firearm safety and gun skills training for teens.

Dick’s survivors include his siblings, Joseph Shaw and wife Joyce of Peru NY, Robert Shaw and wife Wanda of Fruitland ID, Pierre DeMers and wife Meggie of Healy AK, Janet DeMers of LaPine OR, Daughter Robin Morrell and husband Glenn, of Weare NH, Step-son Kyle Branche of Los Angeles, CA, Grandchildren Jason Morrell and wife Andrea, Dana Western and husband Connor, Great Grandchildren Jocelyn, Eliza, Natalie, and Lily, Niece Bethany Leeds and husband Wayne, of Yuma, Nephew Karl and wife Kathy of Yuma, Nephew Tracy Crosbie and wife Lori of Helena MT, Nephew Mark Thomas and wife Diane of Phoenix AZ.

There will be no services, at Dick’s request. He will be buried at sea, in the waters of San Diego, where he spent so many days, sailing on his boat, the ‘XTSea.’

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations can be made to the following: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, PO Box 12575, Marine Corps Air Station, Yuma AZ 85365 / High Power Rifle & Pistol Club of Yuma, Inc., 11545 S Chaparral Dr., Yuma AZ 85365