Howard E. Shaw was born in Vici, OK on Oct. 5, 1928. He passed from this life in El Paso on July 29, 2011.

The son of Doctors Fredrick Clay and Myrtle May Shaw, he survived the Black Blizzards and learned to ride, shoot, hunt, and drive by the age of 12. He was an Eagle Scout and in his Palms by age 14. He became an airplane pilot before the age of 25 and by his death he had received his 33rd Degree as a Mason.

He earned a post-secondary degree from the California Institute of Medical Technology, a bachelor's degree in Science from Highlands University in New Mexico, and a master's degree from the American Graduate School of International Management, in Arizona, formerly the Thunderbird Institute of Foreign Trade.

During his lifetime, he worked as a doctor's assistant, a disk jockey, a machinist, a heavy construction foreman, a city hospital medical laboratory supervisor, prospector, and pharmaceutical sales executive with Sterling Products International, traveling extensively in Central and South America. He served his country as a federal agent in Latin America during the 1960s, working closely with the Honduran military. While in Latin America, he and his family survived a revolution in Honduras, violence in Columbia, and floods in Brazil.

Upon 'retiring', he returned to his roots by creating and trading some of the most unique and award winning Native American turquoise jewelry in the Southwest.

Upon finally retiring from his 'retirement', he became a well respected thoroughbred handicapper.
He was an active member of the Vici Alumni, Thunderbird Alumni, the NRA, was a Tea Party patriot, and longtime member of Chapman Masonic Lodge No. 2 in Las Vegas, N.M.

At 18, he met the love of his life whom he married after a whirlwind courtship of only a few months. He remained deeply in love with her until the day he chose to follow in the ancient footsteps of his native ancestors and 'walked into the forest.' 64 years later, on July 29, 2011, just nine weeks shy of his 83rd birthday, at home with his loving wife.

A great adventurer, he loved life, music, dancing, and learning new things. He was one of only a few who managed to finish his bucket list.

He was a man who judged people not on the basis of race, religion, or politics, but on their humor, intellect, industry, and integrity.

In his lifetime, he walked with presidents, ambassadors, generals, stars, guerrillas, salesmen, thieves, bums, gamblers, and kings, and was respected by all.

Howard is survived by his devoted spouse, Gladys and their direct descendants: children Kimberly, Kia, and Katherine; grandchildren Brandon, Garret, Deema, Deanie, Brodie, Derrick, and Trevor; great grandchildren Shanan, Kris, Kaycie, K'Lyn, Keeley, Keisyn, Kalvin, and Kaden; as well as all their spouses, partners, extended and 'adopted' family members and the many good and loyal friends he met along his travels, whose company and companionship he valued second only to family.

One grandchild, Brock, preceded him in death, as did his brother Charles and his parents.

At Howard's request, there will be no viewing or funeral. He also asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be to one of his favorite charities: Art of Birth and Wellness Living Tree Women's Outreach Fund; Brock 'Rascal' Riemath Memorial Scholarship Fund, and Circle of the Solitary Veteran's and Homeless Fund. Donations are tax-deducible and may be mailed directly to Howard's home address, 4553 Bobolink, El Paso, TX 79922, from where they will be acknowledged and distributed to the designated charity.

In addition to his family, Vici, OK, and his friends, there were the anchors of his life. At his request, a memorial service will be held in Vici during the annual class reunion over the Easter weekend of 2012. The specific time, place, and date will be provided in March 2012.