(June 6, 2009) -
Odell Calvin Shaw, son of the late Sarah Shaw-Hall and William Chase, was born on June 13, 1931 in Baltimore, Md. On Jan. 28, God called him to a peaceful rest.
Odell received his education in the Baltimore City Public School System. In 1948, he attended and graduated from the European Command Academy in Germany. In 1948, he enlisted in the military and traveled to Europe, Germany, Africa and Asia. He served in the United States Army for six years, the United States Air Force for 14 years and the Military Reserves for 10 years. He received an honorable discharge from service after 30 years.
In 1968, he began working for the federal government as a law enforcement officer. In 1970, he was employed as a special agent for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) until his retirement in 1990. Among other specialties, Odell was a U.S. marshal, military policeman, paratrooper and a transportation supervisor.
Shaw became a member of Prince Hall Mason #106 in 1971 and later pledged the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity in 1981. He became a Methodist at an early age. He later joined the Zion Baptist Church on Dec. 4, 1988 under the leadership of Pastor Marshall F. Prentice. He served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ faithfully until the Lord called him home.
Odell was united in holy matrimony to Lorell Royster on January 9, 1960. From this union three children were born. He was a loving husband, father, provider and protector for his family. Odell was a very loving and kind person and cherished his family to the utmost. He was a good conversationalist. Odell was a huge fan of the Baltimore Orioles and the Ravens. He enjoyed listening to Jazz. He also loved traveling, fishing and bowling. Odell leaves a legacy of love to his devoted wife, Lorell Shaw; daughters, Valerie and Kim; son Reginald; grandsons, Rahsaan and Justin; granddaughter, Erica; great grandchildren, Yasmine and Tyler’ son-in-law, Curtis Pope Sr.; sisters, Eva Nutt and Mary Mason; step sisters, Mary Johnson and Martha Johnson; nieces, nephews and a host of extended family and friends.