Dr. Norman L. Straw, M.D.

Norman L. Straw, MD, 78, of 24 High School Ave., Shelby, died on Saturday, March 13, 1999, at Med Central Crestline Hospital.

Dr. Straw and his family have made Shelby their home for the past 43 years. He was born to Wm. Earl and Grace (Hovey) Straw in Bath, OH, in 1920. During WWII, he served in the US Navy attached to the Marines. Following the war, he earned a Bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace College and his Medical Doctorate from the University of Cincinnati. After completing internship and residencies, Dr. Straw was called to assume the Shelby medical practice of the late Dr. Ben Moffatt, at the High School Ave. site where medical and dental offices have been located since early in Shelby’s history. He became known as the “Dr. Marcus Welby” of Shelby. Not only did he resemble the television doctor in appearance, but he also was loved for the same dedication, gentle touch, and fatherly concern.

One of his favorite tasks was delivering babies. By the time he retired in 1990, he had delivered many babies whose parents he also had delivered earlier in his career. During his recent illness, he and his family were touched when many of the wonderful people who helped care for him commented proudly that Dr. Straw had delivered them and/or their children.

Dr. Straw and his wife, Elvanor (Basham), met in 1938 during high school and married in 1943. They have 4 children: Dr. Christine Straw of Milwaukee, WI; Dr. Gregory (& Elizabeth Lumadue) Straw of Chapel Hill, NC; Dr. Lorraine Straw of Grand Rapids, MI; and Kenneth (& Janet Anderson) Straw of Shelby. They have 3 grandchildren: Annalise and Nathan of Chapel Hill, and Janelle of Shelby. Dr. Straw is also survived by two brothers: R. Dale (& Millie) of Bedford Hts., OH, and William (& Leila) of Albuquerque, NM; and by one sister, Flora (& Ray) Jenkins of Akron, OH.

He was preceded in death by a brother and both of his parents.

In his leisure time, he earned a reputation as a fine craftsman, refinishing antique furniture and creating artistic and functional pieces from wood. He enjoyed playing piano and singing, and passed his love of music on to his children.

Dr. Straw was a member of the Shelby First United Methodist Church and the Richland County Medical Society. He also had served as Chief of Staff at Shelby Memorial Hospital.

He will be greatly missed by his family and by the community he served and inspired.

A celebration of his life will include calling hours on Monday, March 15, 1999 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at the Turner Funeral Home in Shelby. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 am at the First United Methodist Church in Shelby with Rev. Jeff Matthews officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby. Memorials may be made to Shelby Home and Public
Health.