Alan Shaw

SSG. Alan Wayne Shaw was born Nov. 10, 1975, in Little Rock, AR to Jarrell and Noramae Shaw and was the third of seven children. He and is family are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He was a 1994 graduate of Wilbur D. Mills High School in Little Rock, AR . Alan then attended Arkansas Tech University before joining the U.S. Marine Corp in 1998. While assigned to 1st BN 5th Marines in Camp Pendleton, CA., Alan served two overseas tours and one sea service tour. He was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps in 2002 and proceeded to attended University of Arkansas at Little Rock. Alan and Sharrell were married on Oct. 23, 2003 and in October of 2004 he decided once again to serve his country by joining the US Army. Six weeks later he was serving his first combat tour in Baghdad, Iraq. Alan was reunited with his family in March 2005. He left for his second tour in support of OIF II Oct. 4, 2006 and selflessly gave his life for his country on February 9, 2007 during combat operations in Baquabah, Iraq. Alan exhibited great pride in his military career and was an outstanding leader and friend to his fellow soldiers. He was always among the first to volunteer, as he believed wholeheartedly in his mission as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alan died a hero to an entire nation as well as to his family and friends. Anyone who knew Alan will remember his passion for life and his ability to create an environment of happiness for those around him. He was adamant about his beliefs and his plan for the future. Those who were fortunate enough to know him will never forget him and all who loved him will live forever with him in their hearts. He was a loving son, brother, husband, friend and, most of all, daddy. The legacy he has left behind will continue to enrich the lives and loves of all. Alan is survived by his wife, Sharrell, and three children, Austin, Jourdan and Davyn; parents, Jarrell Bentley and Noramae Shaw; siblings, Larry and Lisa Shaw, Bud and Terri Bailey, Darren and MindyShaw, Randy and Angie Shaw, Amber Shaw, and Jeffrey Shaw, all of Little Rock; father and mother-in-law, Gary and Melanie Holland; brother-in-law, Jake Holland; sister-in-law, Cara Holland, all of North Little Rock; mother and father-in-law, Lisa and Russell Soto; sister-in-law, Lauren Castle, all of Blue Eye, Mo.; nine adoring nieces and nephews; and abundance of friends. Memorial services for Army Staff Sgt. Alan W. Shaw, 31, of Little Rock, AR., assigned to the 1st Battalion, 12th Cavalry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas, will be held at 2 p.m. Feb. 20, 2007, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in Little Rock, AR., with Bishop Donald Nance officiating. Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Feb. 22, at Arlington National Cemetery, in Arlington, Va., with full military honors. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Feb. 19, at North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main, North Little Rock, AR, 758-1170. Memorial contributions to help the Shaw family expenses to Arlington National Cemetery may be made to Staff Sgt. Alan Shaw Memorial Fund @ Metropolitan National Bank, in Little Rock, AR. Online obituary and guest register at www.northlittlerockfuneralhome.com. Map to Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints: Click here for door-to-door directions at mapquest.com.