Albert Dale Shaw

Albert Dale Shaw was born September 3, 1948, to Belle Teresa (Honack) Shaw and Harold Milton Shaw, a World War II veteran. He died on April 27, 2024, after a long hospitalization.

Albert, who went by Dale, grew up in the Englewood area of Independence along with his older brother and younger sister. He was a high-spirited child who loved playing sports and he was a talented athlete throughout his life. He was an Eagle Scout in the tribe of the Mic-O-Say and he loved spending summers at his grandparents’ farm, where he rode Shetland ponies and tamed a crazy horse named Spook. Dale had a soft spot for animals, but he was equally kind-hearted when it came to people, always willing to help those in need.

He started school at Bristol Elementary, graduated from Van Horn High School in 1966, and attended Northwest Missouri State University before marrying his high school sweetheart, Joanna (Jodi) Richter in 1968. Dale and Jodi were blessed with two daughters, Michelle Renee and Jessica Jean. He was very proud of both of his daughters.

Dale was a Master Electrician and member of the IBEW local union 124. He successfully operated his own business, Regal Electric, for 32 years and also served as the Electrical Examiner for the City of Independence for 7 years. He retired in 2010.

Dale played varsity basketball in high school and passed on his love of the sport to both of his daughters, teaching them skills that made them accomplished players in college and the Amateur Athletic Union. He rarely missed a game of Michelle’s, no matter how far he had to travel, and he was the head coach of Jessica’s AAU team for 6 years. Dale thrived in the role, winning 2 Missouri Valley Conference titles and twice taking the team to Louisiana to compete in the national tournament. Dale was extremely proud of the girls he coached, all of whom he thought of as daughters, and he cherished being able to share in their many victories. In addition to coaching, Dale was also an active member of the Independence Youth Athletic Association, serving on the board for 8 years.

As a gifted athlete in his adult years, Dale played competitive softball with the Green Apple Quicksteps, winning countless tournaments across the region. His softball buddies nicknamed him Moose for his size and power at the plate. Dale had a special bond with his only grandson, Wyatt, and loved watching him play basketball and baseball. He was always so proud of Wyatt’s accomplishments, both on and off the field.

Dale loved to travel and some of his favorite vacations included horseback riding. For 20 years, family and friends enjoyed many weekends together at the Lake of the Ozarks, where Dale and Jodi had a cabin cruiser docked at Silver Sands Marina. After retiring, Dale volunteered at Wayside Waifs and St. Mary’s Hospital, earning a 1000-hour pin. Family life included many dogs over the years, but he had a special fondness for Otis. Dale always had a DIY project to work on, often with the help of his good friend, Rich Lowther.

Dale is survived by his wife of 56 years, Jodi Shaw, sister Connie Van Fleet, daughter Jessica Shaw, daughter Michelle Farkas, son-in-law Tom Farkas, grandson Wyatt Farkas, and son-in-law Chuck Hansuld.

A Memorial Service will be held on June 4 at Heartland Cremation and Burial Society in Raytown with visitation starting at 2 p.m., followed by the service at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Wayside Waifs. (Click Here to Donate)