Shawn Christopher Eckels was born on December 18, 1968 in Machias, Maine. He was called home to be with the Lord on October 4, 2025. Shawn and his younger brother Chad, lived with their mother and stepfather for much of their childhood. During that time they moved several times, living in Panama City, Florida, two different times, Charlottesville, Virginia, Kearney, Nebraska, and Mitchell Nebraska. Shawn and Chad were inseparable and enjoyed many activities together including spending time at their Grandma J's, riding their bikes, sometimes 10-15 miles per day, hiking in the woods while picking blackberries and chewing on stalks of sugar cane, fishing, frog gigging, shooting their Daisy BB guns, Dungeons and Dragons, and playing with their large collection of Star Wars figures. Shawn never outgrew his love for collecting Star Wars and many other action figures.

When he was in 9th grade, thanks to one of his favorite teachers, Shawn developed another lifelong passion - art. Pencil drawing; acrylic, oil, and watercolor painting, charcoal, pastels, mixed media, sculpture, photography, he did it all. He was extremely talented and won many awards. His love of art helped him through many challenging times in life. However, the thing that kept him most grounded was his faith. Shawn's trust in the Lord guided him in the good times and also gave him a patient resilience when things got difficult. One of his favorite Scripture verses, among many, was Psalm 46:10, "Cease striving and know that I am God." (Amplified Version). "God always has a plan," he would often say, "even if things don't make sense."

Shawn lived in Gering, Nebraska after high school before moving to Denver in 1990. Along with his artwork, he enjoyed spending time in the mountains hiking and photographing nature. He also enjoyed spending time with his friends whom he treasured dearly. He worked for Ovation Plumbing for many years and recently received his Journeyman Plumbers License.

In 2015, he traveled to Panama City along with Chad's family, and together, they retraced many of their childhood adventures. Shawn often talked about one day moving back to Panama City and living as a beach bum.

Shawn is preceded in death by both sets of grandparents; his father, Larry Eckels; his mother, Bonnie Mathena; his uncle Richard January, and his niece Jaida Koenig.

He is survived by his wife, Kyira; son, Logan Cole (Arrieanna) Eckels; brother, Chad (Patty) Eckels; sisters, Erin (Mike) Koenig, Tracy (Ricky) Eckels Gomez, and Corinne (Nathan) Revello; nephews, Jonah (Sarah) Eckels-Galbreath, Joshua (Madigan) Eckels, and Jacob (Kalyn) Eckels; nieces, Brenna Rader, Kiyana Gomez, Cataleya Revello, and Nailani Revello; grandson, Greyson Hutchinson; granddaughter, Freyja Eckels; great-niece, Averyana Castillo; aunt, Deanna January and cousins, Tracy Schweich, Richard January, and DeeJay Jackson.

A memorial graveside service will be held in Hastings, Nebraska, sometime next summer (2026). Shawn will be laid to rest next to his grandparents and mother.

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