SHAW, DEAN

Dean graduated from Laramie High School in 1956 and joined the United States Navy the following year. He served his country as a captain’s yeoman aboard the U.S.S. Yorktown (CVS 10), an aircraft carrier, until he was honorably discharged in 1959.

After ending his service with the Navy, Dean returned to Laramie and met Judith Faye Lessenden. The two married in February 1960 and had two children: Forrest Crane Shaw and April Robin Ford (Shaw). The family lived in Laramie in a home next to Dean’s parents on Skyline Drive. Dean worked for Mountain Bell, the City of Laramie, and then the Albany County Sheriff’s Office. Dean enjoyed spending time at the family’s cabin in Centennial Valley, and he often took his children on horseback escapades across the Snowy Range Mountains. He was a lifelong amateur radio (or “ham radio”) operator and spent many hours up in his “crow’s nest” chatting on the radio waves.

In 2014, Dean and Judy moved to Sheridan to be closer to family. Known affectionately as Papa Dean to his family, Dean continued to enjoy tinkering and spending time with Judy. Quiet and kind, Dean had a knack for delivering humorous comments with a straight face. Dean and Judy also enjoyed being “Arizona snowbirds,” exchanging the harsh Wyoming winters for the warm Arizona sun. Good times, many laughs, and more than a few stories were shared while they sat out on their deck in Apache Junction.

Dean passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, surrounded by family. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-five years, Judy; his two children, April and Forrest; his three grandchildren; and his six great grandchildren.

A celebration of Dean’s life will be held this summer in his hometown of Laramie.

Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.