Ronald "Ron" Shaw

October 24, 1961 – May 11, 2025

Beloved Husband, Father, Brother, Coach, and Friend

Ronald Shaw, age 63, of LaGrange, Ohio, left us far too soon and is now at peace, surrounded in spirit by those who loved him most.

A proud Keystone graduate and lifelong supporter of the Wildcats, Ron lived a life defined by family, friends, community, athletics, and unwavering dedication. He was the kind of person who showed up — with heart, humor, and a clipboard.

Ron was born on October 24, 1961, to Larry and Carol Shaw. He was the third of six Shaw siblings, raised in a lively, love-filled home on Pleasant Street where the rules were simple: be home by the time the streetlights came on. With eight people sharing one bathroom, weeping willow branches chosen carefully, and fireworks best viewed from the backyard, life was loud, busy, and always full of laughter. It was in this home — surrounded by family, competition, and a deep sense of togetherness — that Ron's passion for sports, teamwork, and loyalty took root.

At Keystone High School, Ron quickly stood out as a three-sport athlete, earning letters in golf, basketball, and most of all, baseball — his lifelong love and the game that would ultimately define his legacy. From an early age, Ron's world was best lived between the white chalk lines.

He continued his baseball career at Findlay College, where he set school records and helped his teams qualify for two NAIA National Tournaments. He was invited to try out for both the 1983 Pan-Am Games and the 1984 Olympic teams before injuries ended his college career early.

Ron's love for the game never faded. He continued to play softball in local leagues — LSP, Mullinax, and The Pub — alongside his best friends, collecting over 500 wins in a 13-year run. The games came and went, but the memories, laughter, and friendships made along the way stayed with him forever.

Off the field, Ron gave back in every way he could. He served on the LaGrange Park Board, the Keystone Board of Education, and was a founding member and longtime fundraising coordinator for Keystone Athletic Team Supporters (K.A.T.S.), where he helped shape the future of youth sports in the community he loved.

To many, he was known simply as "Mr. Shaw" or "Coach Shaw." He coached numerous teams, especially those his children played on – known for his trademark aggressive claps, silent stare-downs, the classic line 'this is catch, not fetch,' and his unwavering drive to bring out the best in every player through hard work and heart.

A fixture at ballfields across the area, Ron loved watching sports, classic movies, and listening to sports radio. He was the life of every party — not because he demanded attention, but because he brought it to everyone else. Known for his sharp sense of humor, perfectly timed

one-liners, legendary "Shaw handwriting," and next-level organization, Ron made sure every detail — from lineups to lawn stripes — was just right. He brought order, laughter, and heart into every room he entered.

Above all else, Ron was a devoted family man. His love story with Julie, his wife of 31 years, was one for the books — it started with a few "coincidental" run-ins at the softball fields and local bars, and turned into a lifetime of love, partnership, and shared adventures. Together, they built a home filled with laughter, competitive game nights, countless ball games, trips to Cancun, and memories made with the Shaw, Conrad, and Sturgill families. With his son, Ronnie, Ron found joy in coaching his baseball teams and proudly watching him play, always leading by example — showing what it meant to be a Shaw man: tough, loyal, humble, and proud. His relationship with his daughter, Lauren, was built on years of playing catch in the backyard — and evolved into frequent phone calls during the week, filled with sports talk, Euchre strategies, and endless stories, usually ending in laughter. Ron was never happier than when he was watching his kids play sports, talking sports with them, or simply sitting beside them, watching a game. Whether it was catching them in oversized catcher's gear or turning on the car headlights to light the driveway for just a few more free throws, he was always there. He pushed them on swingset, fed the tee during batting practice, and quietly watched as they fell in love with the same games that had given him so much joy and purpose throughout his life.

He gave it his best in the kitchen, famously combining Alfredo with mashed potatoes and corn in a way only Ron could. Whether he was trying to win game night or just make us laugh, he made every moment feel like the best place to be was right there with him.

If you wanted to find Ron, he was probably at Scoreboards with Chuck. He was on the lawn mower. He was in the garage watching the Tribe game. He was traveling to watch all his nieces and nephews compete, surely grabbing Dairy Queen on the way home. He was camped out at Rick's poker table. He was standing at the kitchen island, folding laundry, with no creases. He was relaxing in his lawn chair. He was in his car, listening to sports talk radio, sipping his McDonald's coffee. He was the perfectly smoothed top of the peanut butter jar. He was playing catch in the back yard with his dad and children. He was with his family – laughing with his brothers, picking on his sisters, sitting with his mom, and always looking up to his dad.

A quiet presence with a sharp wit. A well-kept scorebook, a handkerchief in his pocket. A folded bracket sheet. A perfect day on the golf course. He was the man behind the scenes, making sure everything — and everyone — was ready to play their best.

Now, you'll find Ron in the subtle signs — a cardinal perched on a tree branch, a once-in-a-lifetime play during a game, a hand of Euchre with laughter in the air, a perfectly drawn chalk baseline, or a heads-up penny. He is the breeze during a round of golf, the voice in a coach's huddle, the laugh that fills a room. He is everywhere and always will be.

Professionally, Ron built a respected 35+ year career in the bearing industry, working in various sales roles with Avon Bearings, Kaydon, and SFK. He was known for his reliability, hard work, and integrity in every role he held.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Julie; his devoted children, Ronnie and Lauren; his mother, Carol; siblings Rick, Cindy, Cathy, Randy, and Connie; and his lifelong best friend, Chuck Sturgill. He is preceded in death by his father and hero, Larry Shaw — whom he now joins in eternal peace.

Ron loved LaGrange and bled Keystone purple. His legacy of commitment and love for his family, friends, and community will live on through everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family will receive friends 4–8 p.m.  Wednesday May 14, 2025 at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church 708 Erie St. Grafton, Ohio where Liturgy of The Word will be at 11:00 AM  Thursday May 15, 2025. The Reverend Father John P. Seabold, Pastor will officiate. Burial will be private.  Raise a toast to Ron following the service at Grey Hawk Golf Club.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks for contributions to be made to the Keystone Athletic Team Supporters (K.A.T.S.) P.O. BOX 744 LaGrange, OH 44050, in support of the new baseball and softball stadiums — a cause close to Ron's heart. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria (440)322-4626. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com