Richard W. Shadwell, 94, died Saturday, June 11, 2011 at Elfindale following a brief illness. Richard was born in West Plains, Missouri in 1916 to Fred and Julia Shadwell and came to Springfield in 1922. He graduated from Springfield schools and married Gertrude Blount in 1938, enjoying 69 years of marriage until her death in 2007.
Richard retired from Frisco Railroad following 39 years of service in the freight and traffic departments. In retirement he volunteered at St. John’s Hospital as a very mature paperboy. He also volunteered with American Red Cross and was a member of Kiwanis for over 30 years.
Richard and Gertrude were long-time members of East Sunshine Church of Christ; he was a member of Sunset Church of Christ during his final months. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and two sisters, his wife, and one son, Richard L., who died in 2010.
Richard is survived by grandsons Shelby and wife Diana of Laramie, Wyoming, and Stuart and wife Lindsey of St. Louis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, including Carolyn Cochran of Springfield, who helped care for him following Gertrude’s death. His sister-in-law, Maxine Blount of Springfield, also survives.
Services will be held at Greenlawn South Monday, June 13, at 10:00, with burial at Smith Cemetery in Rogersville. Memorial contributions may be made to Fair Haven Children’s Home in Strafford or to a charity of donor’s choice.