Obituary

Kenneth Shawn Mccall, the often late, often boisterous, obnoxiously self confident, secretly not so confident and infectiously funny servant of God, stunned his family and friends with his early exit from this life for an on time arrival to his Heavenly home on January 28th, 2024.

On March 30, 1968, Shawn entered this world fittingly late, after stubbornly holding out through weeks of his father’s quickly vanishing Naval leave. As his father, Gerald “Jerry” McCall exhaustedly crawled back into his bunk in California came the humorous announcement that his new bouncing baby boy was resting comfortably with his mother Cheryl Ann McCall in Tulsa Oklahoma, merely hours after his father’s reluctant departure for fear of being declared AWOL.

His childhood was full of antics that often invoved the outdoors, animals, and his frequently tormented partner in crime, his sister Angela “Angel” (McCall) Wilkins. Shawn amassed hours upon hours of wild tales of fish, deer, snakes, armadillos, turtles, cats, numerous dogs, and oh, so many creature stories to entertain us all for years. He never met a dog he didn’t love and crave to save, regardless of the situation. From the many childhood beagles, Meanie to Diamond, to unknown mutts, Spanky and Fats or adulthood companions Sierra and Cheyenne and so, so many more critters,  he was their life saver. He felt a yearning to save them all. No worries, we’ve got Red and Batman, dear! We will all work to love them to the level you demonstrated for us all.

His outdoor adventures continued into adulthood as he tracked through the woods, ponds, and any backroad trail that gave him peace, comfort, and solitude to dream, focus, talk with God, and hone his skill as an enthralling, exciting storyteller.

While Shawn dreamed of being an oceanographer, he became a masterful electrical contractor, following in the footsteps and under the guidance of his father. While incredibly accomplished in his profession, he undoubtedly would tell anyone his greatest accomplishment in this life was raising his children Cheryl  (McCall) Cruz, Emily (McCall) White, Kenneth “Bub” McCall and Noah McCall. In recent years, he was blessed with news of a daughter unknown to him, Ashley Padgett. His greatest reward in this life was his grandchildren, Ella, Iris, Theo, and Lorelai. We often prayed together that God would allow us at least enough time for him to raise Cheryl, Emily, Shawn, and Noah and for me to raise Ryan into adulthood. We did it and did it well! Thank you for your help on that precious journey of fun, laughter, and love.

His life was always full of family, but particularly in this last year of life, he had found his purpose in providing almost daily care for his granddaughters, Ella and Iris. He wholeheartedly believed the health issues that had plagued him for years had been part of a divine plan to allow him to care and enjoy this time with his girls sharing his love of God and of course, basketball. He loved teaching Ella about his favorite sport and watching play basketball made him proud and was another source of great joy.

In true Shawner fashion, he obligingly answered God’s call for His loving, faithful, flawed, and hopelessly mischievous servant to join Him for an eternal fishing trip in the absolute best fishing hole. Undoubtedly his Mom Cheryl (Cleland) McCall, Grandmother Lorene (Kiddy) Cleland, Grandfather W.B. Cleland were enticed to join in their adventures, along with countless other relatives and a pack of animals that would rival any zoo and relentlessly scare “The Big One” away from their dangling fishing hooks!

Ironically, Shawn was in the best shape that he had been in for many, many years when he laid across his bed and peacefully nodded off and woke again in Heaven. Oh, what a wonderfully blessed surprise for him to experience, looking up to see our Mom, loved ones and so many animals. He would want me to tell you all a few things…..Take care of yourself now, not later. Do the things you love to do and do them right now. Love those around you and tell them every day, so much so that they tire of hearing it, roll their eyes, and secretly love every minute of it. Pick up that phone, make that call, tell them you love them and wanted to hear their voice. Pray often (as he often did with with his dear friend Nicole), Simply talk to God, he’s always there. Love the unlovable, even when it hurts. Forgive others and yourself. Know God, if you don’t, pursue Him more passionately than you have ever pursued anything in your life, again…do that now. Show Jesus to all through your love and actions, each and every day.

Shawn, in his crazy, adventurous manner, left many dreams unfulfilled in his too short life and always wanted to travel the world and frequently mentioned being left with the sharks when he exited this world, so we, as a family, will fulfill these adventures for him over many years. He will be in the woods, the ocean, his childhood hometown, his favorite fishing holes, with family, friends, and all over this great big planet. That being his wishes, we will have a family viewing Wednesday, January 31st, 4pm – 8pm and a Friends & Family viewing on Friday, February 2nd, from 4pm to 8pm at Butler-Stumpff and Dyer Funeral Home 2103 E. 3rd St. Tulsa, Ok. Please come to wish Shawn a great big Bon Voyage, and please join us again in late March to celebrate his life, love, and 56th birthday. Details to be shared in the near future. In honor of his love of animals, please donate to Wild Heart Ranch in lieu of flowers.