John W. 'Red' Shaw, 81, of Mount Vernon, Ohio, passed away on October 7, 2020, surrounded by family at the Laurels of Mount Vernon.
He was born April 5, 1939, in Newcomerstown, Ohio, to the late Glenn and Frances (Fenton) Shaw.
Shaw grew up on his family farm near Newcomerstown and was a member of the local 4H. He worked showing cattle for Rutledge Farms in New Philadelphia before moving to Sunbury, Ohio, and working as a cattleman for Producers Livestock in Mount Vernon. It was at Producers where he grew his fondness for auctions and began auctioning their livestock. Then in 1968, he started John Red Shaw Auctioneer and has operated it for more than 52 years. He loved his work and the people he met over that time.
Another hobby turned business for him was horses and harness racing. In the early 1980s he purchased his first horse, Pennet Hill and from there it expanded over the years. Some notable horses for him include Meadow Dart, Stinging Scooter and the world record holder, Victory Is Coming.
Shaw enjoyed his hunting and fishing trips and always liked to tell a good or bad joke to others. He also remembered the days of his 4H and continued to donate his time and efforts to always help any chapter of 4H. He will be missed by his family and many friends.
He is survived by his wife, Betty (Gadd); daughter, Brenda (Kelsey) Leisure; son, Tim (Paula); step-son, Andy Bennett; grandchildren, Krista (Brett) Maze, Travis (Casey) Leisure, and Jackie Shaw; and great-granddaughter, Brylee Maze. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his infant son, Jeffrey Allen; and his brother, Kenneth.
Friends called on Sunday (Oct. 11) from 1-4 p.m. at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home, where a funeral service was held on Monday (Oct. 12) at 11 a.m. Pastor Ben McKinstry was officiating. Burial will follow in North Fork Cemetery near Waterford.
Memorial contributions may be made to any local 4H.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.
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(USTA)