HR0634 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0634 LRB104 20380 MST 33837 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Herman Edward Shaw of Edwardsville, who passed away on January 12, 2026; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw was born in Union, Missouri to Robert L. Shaw and Ethel L. Aitch-Shaw on April 5, 1934; he began his education in Union, Missouri, and when his family moved to Edwardsville in 1944, he continued his education at Lincoln School during the time of segregation; after school integration, he transferred to Edwardsville High School as a sophomore in 1951; in his first year, he became the first African American student to receive a varsity letter, and by the time he graduated in 1953, he had earned ten varsity letters in football, basketball, track, baseball, and A Cappella choir; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw attended Illinois State University on a football scholarship; after two years, he chose to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army, where he served with the military police; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw began his professional career as a recreational therapist at Alton State Hospital; during this time, he began working with at-risk students as a counselor in the University City School District and also attended Webster University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Education; he then became an administrator at University City Senior High School, where he served with dedication for 32 years until his retirement; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw demonstrated through his actions a deep commitment to the Edwardsville community, particularly to the education and well-being of children; he and fellow Lincoln School alumni co-founded the Historic Lincoln School Alumni Foundation in 1986, and under his leadership, the organization awarded scholarships to high school graduates and college students, supported families during the holiday season, and provided assistance in countless other ways; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw was inducted into the Edwardsville Athletic Hall of Fame as part of its second re-charter class in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw was deeply involved in the arts and education and was a founding board member of the Edwardsville Symphony; he also enjoyed fishing, golfing, hunting, and bowling; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw was known for his generosity, and it was not unusual to see him picking up food and delivering it to homes, churches, and food pantries or cutting someone's grass; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Roberta and Cecilia; his brother, Earl; and a special son, Kyle Dickerson; and

WHEREAS, Herman Shaw is survived by his daughters, Juanita and Cora Shaw; his devoted life partner, Elizabeth Nash; his brother, Harry (Christiana) Shaw; his sister, Carolyn (Jack) Turner; his special daughter, Iva-Surette Washum; his grandchildren, Nakita, Malcolm, Micah, and Riley; his great-grandchildren, Vincent, Navi, and Nalonni; and numerous extended family and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Herman Edward Shaw and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Herman Shaw as a symbol of our deepest sympathy.