Wilford Leo Shaw

Wilford L. Shaw, known by all as “Leo” passed away early in the evening on Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at his secondary residence, Mansfield Place in Philippi, WV.

He was born September 7, 1928 in Smithburg, WV the son of the late Dennis L. and Waunita (Miller) Shaw and stepson to the late Sylvia Mae (Crites) Shaw.

He married Caroline Sue (Hildreth) on November 5, 1949 in Oakland, MD.  They were married 74 years and 9 months when Caroline preceded him in death on July 15, 2024.  Since the mid 1950’s they made their home at Stewarts Run Road in Philippi, WV until they both became residents together in the same room at Mansfield Place.  The family cat, Kitty Baby, still resides at the family home and continues to look for them each day.

Leo is survived by his youngest daughter, Gloria Dawn Wentz; granddaughters Sheree Wentz, Stephanie (Lantz) Foltz and husband Bobby; great grandchildren Hayley (Foltz) Riffle and husband Brandon, and Logan Foltz; great great-grandson Rip Riffle; step sister-in-law Ruth Cleavenger and step-nephew Brian Cleavenger and wife Kendra.

At age 97, Leo was understandably preceded in death by several family members but most recently by his beloved Caroline; son-in-law Glenn Wentz, Jr.; oldest daughter Sylvia Ellen Lantz and husband Larry Ramond Lantz.  He was also preceded in death by his much loved and respected stepbrother Willard P. Cleavenger.

He graduated from Kasson High School and learned/earned his professional certification as a blacksmith while employed at the B&O Railroad in Grafton, WV.  He proudly served in the US Army from January 1952- January 1954 during the end of the Korean War.  He retired from Union Carbide Corp in Anmoore, WV with 29 years of service as their blacksmith.  Leo liked to boast about never being without a job his entire adult life even though some jobs were not very glamorous like killing chickens for Don Bartlett.

Upon retirement, he and Caroline took several bus trips and stayed close visiting with family and friends especially at McDonalds.

Leo was an excellent historian even up to the time of his death.  He was Methodist by faith and a member of the Elk City Community Church.  He will be missed by all who knew him.

Family and friends will be welcomed at the Wright Funeral Home 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi, WV on Thursday December 4, 2025 from 4 to 7 pm and on Friday morning December 5 from 9- 11 am.  Funeral services will be held at 11 am with the Pastor Sam Haught officiating; friend “Cowboy” Brown will offer special prayer; and graveside services will be by Tami Toothman-Shoup at the Mt. Vernon Memorial Cemetery. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.wrightfuneralhomeservices.com