Ryan Shaw

Ryan Shaw, age 43, of Fulton, Missouri, passed away Friday, August 21, 2015, of a cerebral aneurysm. He was born in Louisiana, Missouri on November 26, 1971, the first son of Terry and Carolyn Shaw. Ryan attended kindergarten through twelfth grade at the same school and graduated from Clopton High School in 1990. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 1994. He later earned his Master's of Education degree from William Woods University in Fulton, Mo. Ryan married the love of his life, Lori Tallmage-Shaw on July 22, 1995. Ryan spent almost 20 years as an educator and high school basketball coach. He absolutely loved the game of basketball and could be called a "student of the game." If his team wasn't playing, he could be found in the bleachers scouting. More importantly, he loved the opportunity to shape and mold young men into something greater. Ryan believed that the willingness to work hard and respect others were key traits to be cultivated in his players. His efforts to this end showed just how much he cared. Whether it was letting a kid with a disability play and score in a game, having his players pay their respects when a teammate lost a family member, guiding his players to the right college, or continuing to push them as they began careers and families, Ryan loved his players. Over the past three years, Ryan also worked with his brother at the Change and Innovation Agency, a company that performs efficiency work inside of the human services industry. Ryan had a passion for helping people and it showed in his work with the company. While engaged in this work, Ryan greatly impacted his co-workers, as well as the firm's clients. Ryan loved being with friends and family. His favorite question to ask Lori on Fridays was, "Who's hosting this weekend?" Ryan and Lori, along with their group of friends, would gather every weekend at one of their houses in Fulton to hang out together. In many ways, this group of friends was like family to Ryan, and the time together was meaningful. Ryan had a deep sense of humor and was typically the first to the punch line with his quick wit. Ryan was in love with his wife Lori. The couple celebrated their 20 year anniversary in July. He enjoyed being there for her, joking with her, and just doing life together. Ryan leaves behind two of his best accomplishments - McKenzie (17) and Jordan (15). He loved both of his children with all of his heart. They made him laugh, and he would often talk about how proud he was of Kenzie's wit, and the way he thought she was like him in many ways. He would often talk about Jordan's skills on the basketball court, and his overall approach to his school work and relationships with friends. Ryan's affection for his kids was evident, and he was eagerly anticipating watching them grow into the wonderful adults they will become. Besides his wife, Lori, and his children McKenzie and Jordan, Ryan is survived by his father, Terry Shaw of Fulton, his brother, Blake Shaw and wife Jennifer Shaw of Kansas City, along with their children Jacob, Abby, Andrew and Zachary. He also leaves behind his inlaws, Bosco and Janell Tallmage, Mark and Dana Montgomery, Jonathan and Elizabeth Tallmage and nieces Sadie, Sydney, Presley and Emma Grace, all of Columbia, Mo. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made out to: Ryan Shaw Education Fund, United Credit Union, 1222 South Business 44, Fulton, MO 65251. A celebration of life service is planned for 2:30 p.m., Saturday August 29 at the Fulton High School Gymnasium.