Marvin Dale Shaw

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Marvin Dale Shaw, 74, of New Franklin, who entered into eternal rest on February 6, 2026.

Dale was born July 11 in the middle of the Great Flood of 1951 to William Wester and Helen Mae Harvey Shaw. He and his mother spent the first month of his life at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Boonville, while his father ferried back and forth by boat to visit them. Dale graduated from New Franklin High School in 1969. He married his sweetheart, Penny Lee Pihana on November 18,1972. They set out for their honeymoon to the Midway Truck Stop with a forecasted snowstorm on the way. Their story began simply, filled with truck stop fare and big dreams for their life ahead. Those dreams became five decades of love, faith, and family. Dale and Penny would have celebrated 60 years together this August, with nearly 54 of those years as a married couple.  

Dale’s life centered around his family. His three children and five grandchildren never knew a ballgame, band concert, or special event without him there supporting them. He was always ready to teach—from executing the perfect rebound, practicing hitting off the baseball tee, to reeling in the biggest bass. Patient, positive, humble, and steady, he was the very best kind of teacher.

Dale spent much of his life in service to others. He retired from the United States Postal Service after 38 years, working many night shifts while always making time for his family. He also steadfastly served the New Franklin First Baptist Church as head deacon, treasurer, and Sunday school teacher. He lived his faith quietly and consistently, always saying yes to anyone who needed a hand.

Dale found the sweetest parts of life in his garden and its butterflies. He was pleased to share his abundance of fruits and vegetables and also treasured his orchard of pecan trees, the songs of the purple martins, and playing with his beloved dog, Maui. Above all, he found the most joy with Penny, cheering on their grandkids. 

He leaves behind a family deeply shaped by his love and faithfulness-his wife of the home, Penny Pihana Shaw; his children, Makai Dale (Gina), Kalei Lee “Petie” Holder (Mike), and Mauka McDavid (Meganne); his grandchildren, Landon and Hudson Shaw, Skylar and Laila Shaw, and Colin Holder. He is also survived by his brother Dean Shaw (Wendy) and sister Diane Corman (Merle) as well as one uncle, cousins, several nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, William Larry “Toby” Shaw. 

Visitation services will be held from 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Markland-Yager Funeral Home in New Franklin. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 12 at the funeral home. Burial will be at Mount Pleasant Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the New Franklin First Baptist Church. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Marvin Dale Shaw, please visit our floral store.