James Merle Shaw
February 13, 1955 ~ May 1, 2022
Born in:
Louisville, Kentucky
Resided in:
Greenville, Illinois
Merle Shaw, 67, of Greenville, passed away on Sunday, May 1, 2022, at St. Louis University Hospital.
Merle was born February 13, 1955, in Louisville, KY, to Roberta (Smith) Shaw. He lived in Kentucky till he was 13 years of age, then his family moved to Illinois, and he lived in the Greenville community for about 54 years. He was married to Paula Massey and Candy Thomas, both from whom he was divorced. He later found his best friend and loving companion, Barbara Eulberg, with whom he spent the rest of his years.
Most people would describe Merle as a ‘good old boy’ who liked wearing his blue jeans and cowboy boots. He took care of his mom for years, cooking her supper and taking it over to her every evening and then watching the news before returning home to go to bed. He was a good friend who helped anyone in need, if he could, especially in the construction area.
For 25 years, he worked out of Labor Hall Local 622. He was very pro-labor hall and was very involved in the organization. He was also a Volunteer for Vets member and spent time volunteering at the Greenville VFW. In his younger years, he enjoyed hunting and fishing, but his pride and joy was gardening and taking care of his yard. He loved dogs and always had a dog in his life that could be found riding shotgun in his truck.
Merle was preceded in death by a sister, Jeannie Wirtz and a twin brother, Earl Shaw.
He is survived by his mother, Roberta Wirtz of Greenville, IL; a daughter, Lauri Sampson of Las Vegas, NV; his companion, Barbara Eulberg of Greenville; a brother, John (Peggy) Berry of Greenville, IL, and sisters, Martha (Craig) Grawe of Keyesport, IL and Jeanette (Brent) Faircloth of Sparta, IL; stepson, Ronnie Thomas of Greenville, IL; grandchildren, Tiffanie, Brittany, Donnie (Lunky), and Makayla; step grandchildren, Jesse and Jacob; nephews, David Kious, Ryan McClellan, Jonathan Berry, Christopher Shaw, Travis Shaw, and Trevor Shaw; nieces, Pam Stone and Kimberly Foppe; many great grandchildren, great nieces and great nephews.
The family will receive guests Wednesday, May 4, 2022, from 4:00 pm. -7:00 pm at the Assalley-Young Funeral Home, 118 E. College Ave., Greenville, IL 62246.
The funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11:00 am Thursday, May 5, 2022, with the Rev. Gary Shaw, officiating.
In Lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorial contributions may be made, in memory of Merle, to the Bond County Humane Society, 2510 S. Elm St., Greenville, IL 62246 and/or the VFW Auxiliary, 2043 S. 4th St., Greenville, IL 62246
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.
Services
Visitation: May 4, 2022 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Assalley-Young Funeral Home
118 E. College Ave.
Greenville, IL 62246
Funeral Service: May 5, 2022 11:00 am
Assalley-Young Funeral Home
118 E. College Ave.
Greenville, IL 62246
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Charities
The family greatly appreciates donations made to these charities in James Merle Shaw 's name.
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RIP, Merlie!!! Gonna miss you!! Thank you for loving my “sister” so much. I’ll take good care of Barbie for you!! ❤
Bevie
R.I.P. Merle. To a wonderful guy who was there when I needed someone to talk to about the curve balls life was throwing me. Always gave the best advice..2 shots of Jose and wait. If still no better..repeat lol. You’re definitely gonna be missed a lot!!
Dad, I love you with all my heart and I’m so grateful that our last words to each other was “I love you”. Even as you were slipping away, you found the strength to get those words out to me before you passed. You were a man without limits is what I like to say. You worked until the job was done, you gave until the need was fulfilled, you did whatever the hell you wanted to and when you wanted to (lol), you loved to laugh and have the best of times,. I know you would not want anyone to cry over this, but would rather we all sat around and ate some hot wings and had a beer reminiscing about all our fun times with you. I wasn’t ready to say good bye to you, but God said it was time to relieve you of your pain and suffering and allowed you to go in peace and for that I’m forever thankful. I’ll see you on the other side Dad, until then please watch over me. I love you Dad, your Daughter
So sorry for your loss Barb. Saying a prayer for you and your loved ones in your time of grief and sadness.
Rest in Peace Merle. We always loved seeing you drive by and will miss your smile and wave. Loved by so many!
Merle will be missed for so many things, but my favorite memory is him driving by with Lucky up front in the passenger seat enjoy his evening ride. I also enjoyed and looked forward receiving those tomatoes from his garden.
Merle always made me shake my head or he made me laugh, and most times both. He was a special fella, that Merle. I will miss the green onions he planted every year. Sometimes he would sick Barbie after me to come get some!! lol
It was never a quick trip. We needed to visit a bit and talk about things. One of the dogs would usually be out and Barbie always came out too. I loved those times but never got over often enough.
I ALWAYS drove away with a smile in my heart.
Saddened to hear that Merle has gone on before us.
Surely he is looking down & smiling to all of his family & friends.
He was a treasure to have know.
Will never forget burning his donkey tail off one Halloween- his Killer dog- his storys- R.I.P prayers Barb…
RIP Merle (Shawster) You will be missed by all that knew you.Will always think of you as a great friend along with your Dog ridding shotgun with ya.Always with a smile on your face and something good to say about someone.Keep those Demo Cars a rolling in Heaven ,as I know you loved that sport!
From your great-nephew.