Robert A. Shaw

Pastor Robert A. Shaw, 82, of Ankeny and formerly of Newton, died Friday, December 29, 2023. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Believers in Grace Church in Newton. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, January 12, 2024, at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Newton. Memorials to Believers in Grace Church or to the family (please make checks payable to Lynette Doland) can be left at the funeral home or at the church on the day of the service.

Robert, the son of Leslie Marvin and Olga Grace (Martin) Shaw, was born March 13, 1941, in Shreveport, Louisiana. He graduated from Spring Hill High School in Webster Parish in 1959. Robert served in the U.S. Air Force from 1959-1963, stationed in Montana and Alaska. He met Joanne Putnam in Great Falls, Montana in 1961, and the two were united in marriage on August 17, 1963, in Spencer, Iowa. The couple lived in St. Paul for 2 years. After returning to Iowa in 1967, Robert attended Central College, graduating in 1976. He had served as an Assistant Pastor at the Knoxville Apostolic Church from 1967-1972, before moving to Newton. Robert served as the Assistant Pastor at Believers in Grace Church from 1972 until 1978, when he was voted Lead Pastor of the church. Robert served the church until his retirement in January of 2022. He had also worked as an accountant for many years, specializing in tax preparation.

Robert had served the Iowa District UPCI for many years, first as Sunday School Director from 1979-1999, where he started a Jr. Camp, and then as District Secretary from 1999-2008. When he wasn’t busy with church activities, he enjoyed reading, spending time on his computer, and watching Westerns.

Robert is survived by his children, Lynette (Bruce) Doland and Marvin (Mary) Shaw; 5 grandchildren: Courtney (Michael) Shaw Francik, Brittany Shaw (Josh Schweinbart), Ashley Shaw (Austin Cowman), Benjamin (Janelle) Doland, and Lynae Doland (fiancé, Eli Wilwerding); his great-grandchildren, Emily and Waylon Schweinbart and Azhmere Francik; his brother-in-law, Garrett Taylor; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Joanne in 2010; and his sister, LaWanda Shaw Taylor.