Ardth Leland Shaw

Ardth Leland Shaw, known affectionately as “Art” to family and friends, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2025, at the age of 91. Born on June 12, 1934, in Benkelman, Nebraska, Art lived a life of service, love, and devotion to his family, country, and community.

Art served in the Army National Guard in Nebraska from June 24, 1950, to October 1951. He then joined the United States Navy on May 15, 1952, and served during both the Korean Conflict era and the Vietnam War era, dedicating over two decades to his country. Art’s military career was distinguished by his role in combat search and rescue, as well as his technical expertise as a helicopter mechanic. He finished his career at the Naval Air Station in Corpus Christi, Texas, retiring with the rank of Chief Petty Officer on September 15, 1970.

During his service, Art earned several commendations, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Air Medal, recognizing his dedication and exemplary service.

After retiring from the Navy, Art embarked on a successful career in civilian life. He owned and operated his own construction company in Corpus Christi, Texas, and later became the proud owner of a golf course near Hot Springs, Arkansas. These ventures, along with his numerous relationships within the community, painted a picture of a man who was both driven and personable — a hard worker with an eye for opportunity.

In his younger years, Art also pursued a lifelong dream of flying. He earned his private pilot’s license and took great joy in flying, creating memories and experiences that he cherished.

Art was passionate about many hobbies and loved spending time outdoors. He enjoyed golfing, hunting, and fishing, often sharing those passions with family and friends. He was also an avid river rafting enthusiast, seeking adventure and fun in nature. For nine years, Art took great pride in coaching kickball, a sport that brought him joy and allowed him to connect with the younger generations. In his downtime, he loved to play cards with family and friends, creating countless cherished memories.

Art’s family was at the center of his world. He was a loving father to eight children: Deb Matulka of Lincoln, NE; Vickie Kanda of Lincoln, NE; Gail (Mike) Sarchet of Show Low, AZ; Susan Shaw of Cleveland, TN; Jackie (Bob) Gaffney of Omaha, NE; Kurt (Sandra) Marquardt of Rochester, MN; Kenneth Marquardt of Niceville, FL; and Holly (Micah) Cox of Powell Junction, ID.

He was a devoted grandfather to sixteen grandchildren: Kate (Mike) Gatliff, Fred “Spud” Matulka, Greg (Ashley) Sarchet, Brooke (Todd) Morehead, Sydney (Sean) Boers, Beau (Alyssa) Clegg, Felisha (John) Murphy, Amelia (Charles) Nichols, Isaac Marquardt, Katrina Marquardt, Joshua Marquardt, Brianna (Kyle) Hutto, Amanda (Mark) Poulsen, Lisa (Richard) Luehrs, Cordell (Abby) Cox, and Conagher (Bella) Cox. Art’s legacy of love continues with his twenty great-grandchildren, including Grant and Brynn Gatliff; Breckan and Adalie Sarchet; Troy and Karsyn Morehead; Sloane and Sullivan Boers; Kira and Dylan Clegg; Alana and Garrett Murphy; and Patrick “Pax” and Quinn Nichols; and Kathlynn, Bentley, Taylah, and Maverick Luehrs. He was eagerly anticipating the arrival of his first great-great-grandchild, Raiden, due in late July 2025.

Art is also survived by his sister, LaVern (Shaw) Allbaugh, his sisters-in-law Judie, Donna, and Beverly, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished deeply. He was preceded in death by his parents Vern and Irene (Shrader) Shaw, and his brothers Lyle, Howard, and Delbert. He was also preceded in death by his son-in-law Fred Matulka, his son-in-law Steve Kanda, his grandson Nicholas Matulka, and his third wife, Cyndi, the love of his life, with whom he shared a deep and inseparable bond. Cyndi was his companion and partner, and they had no children together, but their connection was one of profound love and devotion.

In his younger years, Art was lovingly known by the nickname “Tiny,” a stark contrast to the larger-than-life personality he carried with him into adulthood. As an adult, most people knew him as “Art,” a name that conveyed his warmth, kindness, and dedication to those around him.

Art was married three times: first to Dorothy Muller, with whom he had five children (Deb, Vickie, Gail, Susan, and Jackie), and then to Eileen, with whom he had three children (Kurt, Kenneth, and Holly). His third wife, Cyndi, was the love of his life. Their bond was one of deep affection, and together, they created a life full of joy and togetherness.

Throughout his life, Art’s love for his family and friends was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service or celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared as arrangements are made.

Art’s life was one of commitment, achievement, and above all, love. His family and friends will forever remember him as a man who gave everything for those he held dear and who leaves behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.

Memorials may be sent in honor of Art Shaw to the Wounded Warrior Project at 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256, online at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate or by phone at 855-448-3997