John Steven Shaw

John Steven Shaw, 79, Palestine IL, died on October 21, 2021. He was born on March 17, 1942, in Robinson IL, the son of Woodrow and Fern (Kincaid) Shaw. He grew up on the family farm south of Palestine, studied engineering at the University of Illinois, and moved to St. Louis to work on the Gemini Space program at McDonnell-Douglas. During that time he met Patti Frappier and they were married on October 21, 1967. After several years working at GE Jet Propulsion in Cincinnati, they returned to Palestine and bought another farm nearby. John was a hardworking man who loved God, his family, his country and the farm. He was a brilliant engineer who could build or fix anything. He was always willing to help anyone he could, often putting his own priorities aside. He loved learning, and especially liked trying different things on the farm to heal and build the soil, and raise healthier animals. But most of all he loved his grandchildren, who affectionately call him Grampie. John is survived by his twin brothers Mark and wife Jackie, Paul and wife Linda, his wife Patti, his children and spouses, David and Penny Shaw and Rachel and Graham Parish, his grandchildren Anna, Samuel, Russell, Heidi, Ethan and Fern, and his adopted grandchildren Dee, Jack, Robbie and Bella, all of Palestine. There are also many nephews, nieces, cousins and other extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents. A graveside burial service will be held at 3:00 pm on Tuesday, Oct 26th at Morea Cemetery (just West of Flying S). A celebration of life gathering will be held at Flying S following the burial, and all are welcome to come and share memories of John. Memorials can be made to the Crisis Pregnancy Center or Lighthouse Mission in Terre Haute. Please don't send flowers, but rather plant a tree or garden.