Ralph Edward Shawgo

1930 - 2011

Ralph Edward Shawgo, 81, of Havana, passed away at his home at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 28, 2011. He was born February 18, 1930 in Havana to Earl and Dessie (Lane) Shawgo. He married Yoko Aoki on January 29, 1964 in Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan.

Mr. Shawgo is survived by his wife, Yoko, of Havana, two sons, James (Irene) Shawgo of Okinawa, Japan, Kennith (Debbie) Shawgo of Chatham, IL and Linda (Brice Leach) Shawgo of Havana as well as five grandchildren and one sister, Edith Pedigo of Havana. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters, Carol Long, Francis Shawgo and Dorothy Disney.

Mr. Shawgo was an avid gardener and a member of VFW Post #6408 and the Masonic Lodge. He served in the US Navy for 20 years, including time during the Korean War on the USS Ernest G. Small. He received a Purple Heart on October 7, 1951 after his ship was hit by an underwater mine. He retired from the US Postal Service in 1990 after 22 years.

Visitation will be held at the Hurley Funeral Home in Havana on Sunday, October 2, 2011 from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Monday, October 3, 2011 at 10:30 a.m., also at the funeral home. Burial will follow the services at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Havana. Fr. James Fedosuk will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to VFW Post #6408. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.