MOUNT VERNON – John W. “Red” Shaw, 81, of Mount Vernon, passed away on Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2020, surrounded by family at the Laurels of Mount Vernon. He was born on April 5, 1939, in Newcomerstown, to the late Glenn and Frances (Fenton) Shaw.
Red 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 and working as a cattleman for Producers Livestock in Mount Vernon. It was at Producers where Red developed a fondness for auctions and began auctioning their livestock. In 1968, he started John Red Shaw Auctioneer and operated it for over 52 years. Red loved his work and the people he met during that time.
Another hobby-turned-business for Red was horses and harness racing. In the early 1980s, he purchased his first horse, Pennett Hill, and from there it expanded over the years. Some notable horses for Red include Meadow Dart; Stinging Scooter; and the world-record holder, Victory Is Coming.
Red 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 help any chapter he could.
He will be missed by his family and many friends.
Red is survived by his wife, Betty (Gadd) Shaw; his daughter Brenda (Kelsey) Leisure; his son Tim (Paula) Shaw; his step-son Andy Bennett; three grandchildren, Krista (Brett) Maze, Travis (Casey) Leisure and Jackie Shaw; and his great-granddaughter, Brylee Maze.
In addition to his parents, Red was preceded in death by his infant son, Jeffrey Allen Shaw; and his brother, Kenneth Shaw.
Friends may call on Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at the Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home, where a funeral service will be held on Monday beginning at 11 a.m. Pastor Ben McKinstry will be officiating. Burial will follow in North Fork Cemetery near Waterford.
Memorial contributions in Red’s name may be made to any local 4H.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
The Dowds-Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of John W. “Red” Shaw.
