Robert "Denver" Shaw

It is with deep sadness that the family of Robert “Denver” Shaw (90) announce his death on November 5, 2026 at Greeneville Community Hospital after a brief illness. Denver was born March 14, 1936 in the Greystone community, and lived in the Zion community until 1957, but he made his permanent home in the Horse Creek community of Chuckey, TN first on his family’s farm and later with his wife Peggy. Denver was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Peggy Lynn Shelton Shaw, his brother and best friend Howard David Shaw, and his beloved parents, Lee E. Shaw and Ruth Reaves Shaw. Denver is survived by two daughters, Aleeta Shaw of Johnson City, and Nancy Shaw-Hutsell of Chuckey, and their spouses Cody Storm and Caleb Hutsell, respectively. Denver is also survived by three grandchildren Eli Howard Barbour (Alison), Emmalee Ruth Barbour, and Aidan Lee Shaw Storm, along with three step-grandchildren, Lacie Buchanan, Jacob Hutsell (Chrisalyne), and Kaylee Hutsell, great step-grandchild, Baylor, along with close friend and neighbor Brenda Jones, and caretakers Donna Coyne and Chelsea Pate, with special thanks to Mike Coyne for all his help around the house.

Denver graduated from Camp Creek High School in 1954, and he attended Tusculum College for a year. Denver was briefly in the Air Force, but returned home to begin working at Kraft Foods, Inc. and continued in his position for more than 40 years, though the plant changed owners a few times, before his retirement. Alongside his brother, Denver was a lifelong farmer and even at age 90 he went to the barn nearly every day. Following his brother’s death, Denver continued to run the farm with the support of his son-in-law, Caleb.

Denver and his wife, Peggy, enjoyed traveling across the country and into Canada for a few years after his retirement. Additionally, they were avid bluegrass fans and travelled throughout the region to attend bluegrass festivals and to follow their favorite musicians. They were thrilled when their grandson, Eli, learned to play guitar and other instruments and occasionally joined in playing bluegrass music at some local venues. Denver and Peggy were also active members of the Cedar Grove United Methodist Church.

Denver, aka Pap, was a quiet and reserved man most of the time, but his children and grandchildren could always bring out his playful side. He was always up for good session of horseplay and shared special moments with all of them. Lacie was the first grandchild to enter his life, and she is the one who gave him the name, “Pap”. He and Eli had a shared love of music, and he retired, specifically, to spend more time with his little buddy. Emmalee Ruth had him wrapped around her little finger, and he loved taking her visit with the horses when she was little. Aidan was his look alike and occasional farm hand, despite the number of times Pap had to pull Aidan and the lawn mower out of the spring branch.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 8 from 2-4pm at Jeffers Funeral Chapel at Afton and funeral services will be held there that evening at 4pm. Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at 10am on Monday, November 9 at Cedar Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Aidan Lee Shaw Storm, Cody Storm, Caleb Hutsell, Eddie Key, Kelly Ricker, and Bob Easterly. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cedar Grove Cemetery Fund in care of Louise Wilhoit at 2275 Old Jonesboro Road, Chuckey, TN 37641.

Obituary Photo taken: October 22, 2026