EDWARD D. “BO” SHAW, JR.

 LOUISIANA TRAPSHOOTING HALL OF FAME

1999 INDUCTEE

Edward D. “Bo” Shaw, Jr., of Monroe, Louisiana, was a successful trapshooter and important supporter of the sport of trapshooting in Louisiana.  In recognition of his career and support of the sport, he was inducted into the Louisiana Trapshooting Hall of Fame in its initial group of inductees in 1999.

“Bo” was born April 11, 1918, in Gibsland, Louisiana.  He attended Bastrop High School and graduated from Louisiana State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering.  He left a job with International Paper to join the United States Army Air Force on December 8, 1941.

During World War II, “Bo” served as a pilot flying P-38 Lightnings in the Mediterranean.  He was credited with destroying three German aircraft before being shot down and captured by German forces in June, 1943.  “Bo” was a POW, first at Stalag Luft III near Sagan, Germany, and later at Stalag VIIA near Moosburg until that camp was liberated in April, 1945.

Following the war, “Bo” worked in the contracting business in Bastrop, Louisiana.  In 1953, he founded Shaw Oxygen Company in Monroe, Louisiana, and he remained president of the firm until shortly before his death on November 6, 1995.

“Bo” was married to May Goldman Shaw, who he often referred to as “Miss May.”  She preceded him in death.  “Bo” had two children, Lillian Shaw Loewenbaum and Edward D. Shaw, III.

“Bo” was a lifelong hunter.  He particularly loved bird dogs and quail hunting and he owned bird dogs from some of the most famous lines in America.

“Bo” began his trapshooting career relatively late in life, but he took to it immediately.  He was a strong supporter of the sport in Louisiana and he provided substantial financial assistance to several trap clubs in North Louisiana.  “Bo” also made important financial contributions to the Louisiana State Trapshooting Championships.

“Bo” was recognized as a leader among trapshooters in Louisiana.  He served as a director of the Pine Hills Gun Club in West Monroe and actively supported fledging trap clubs at Arcadia and Ruston.  “Bo” also served as an officer and director of the Louisiana Trapshooting Association.

Though he took up trapshooting late in life and despite physical limitations due to severe emphysema; “Bo” was a tough and successful competitor on the trap field.  “Bo” won numerous state, Southwest Zone and satellite Grand American veteran and senior veteran awards.  At the 1990 Grand American, “Bo” captured the senior veteran championship in the Class Singles event.  “Bo” was recognized as a Trap & Field senior veteran All-American in 1991.  “Bo” was also selected to many Louisiana Trapshooting Association All State Teams.

The 1996 Louisiana State Trapshooting Championships at Hunter’s Run Gun Club in Port Allen, Louisiana, were dedicated to “Bo.”

All Louisiana shooters who were active in the early 1990’s can recall “Bo” as he struggled against his emphysema, but continued to shoot despite having to use a golf cart to get around at shoots and oxygen to assist his breathing.  “Bo” never let his physical ailments cause his good humor or competitive spirit to lag.

“Bo” Shaw was a throwback to an earlier time.  He was a competitor, a family man, a true gentleman, and most of all, a model and inspiration to others involved in the sport.

LTA Hall of Fame Committee

April 27, 1999