Kenneth Shaw

Kenneth Shaw, 96, died July 14, 2026.

Memorial Service will be at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, July 18, 2026, at East Heights United Methodist Church.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents, Edward Jay Shaw and Marjorie Juanita Gooch; and son, James J. Shaw.

He is survived by his wife, Irene Shaw; daughter, Lisa (Eric) Witt of Wichita; grandchildren, Stephen (Erin) Witt, and Sean (Amy) Witt.

Ken graduated from Newton high school in 1947, served in Korea as an Army infantryman, and returned to marry his beloved Irene.  During Army Reserve service, he graduated with a Master of Science from Emporia State University and started a long-time career with Boeing as a non-destructive inspection and robotics engineer.  He developed eddy current technology still in use today and brought the first robot to Boeing Wichita.  He also founded the Wichita chapter of the American Society of Non-Destructive Testing.  Ken loved music and was a long time church choir member at Augusta Methodist and East Heights United Methodist Church.  He recorded many cantatas over the years for choir listening parties.

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles!  Ken was passionate about all three.  From supporting the building of aircraft at Boeing, to creating massive model train layouts in his basement with his retired buddies, to working on his and his neighbor’s cars and being a top salesman at JC Penny Auto during an aircraft downturn, Ken excelled at nearly anything he tried.  Growing up in the depression years, he had little but was always happy.  He lived a life of tremendous generosity and loved simple things like visits and cards celebrating events.  Some of his favorite summer trips involved projects at Esther’s cabin in Colorado where he had the alter ego of “Clyde”.  Many kind hearted pranks and kidding with great friends were elevated to new heights in the altitude of the mountains.

Ken is being laid to rest on the 73rd anniversary of his and Irene’s wedding.  There was never a more devoted husband, and while enjoying reuniting with his son Jim and his great number of friends who have preceded him, he is surely preparing a place for Irene to join him in her time.

Memorials have been established with Union Rescue Mission, 2800 N Hillside Wichita, KS 67219 and East Heights United Methodist Church Music Ministry, 4407 E. Douglas Wichita, KS 67218.

Services in care of Downing & Lahey Mortuaries — East Wichita.