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 (April 10, 1974-June 7, 1994)
Shawn had just finished his degree in Criminal Justice at JALC. His parents received his diploma in the mail just a couple weeks after he passed. His parents still live on Gardner St. in West Frankfort in the same house that Shawn was raised. They still own Severin Gardner Center where Shawn was working when he passed.
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Kristen Nicholson (Cass)
I can't believe it has been 14 years since Shawn passed. I remember that day like it was yesterday. He was the nicest guy and truly was kind to everyone. When I think of Shawn I also think of him playing on Kellie's Denning Tiger team, playing the drums in the band and playing football. He is definately missed and thought of often.Kellie Nicholson (Griffith)
I had another Shawn memory today!! For those of you who attended Denning Grade School may remember this: We had a substitute teacher named Mrs. Galli and all the boys thought she was hot!!! Shawn would say "Golly Mrs. Galli" to her all the time. Shawn also gave Mr. Martin(another frequent sub) a hard time, he would raise his hand and at the same time say: Mr. Martin, Mr. Martin, Mr. Martin and it drove him crazy!! Shawn was so sweet and charming he never got in trouble!!!!!!!!!!!!David Chambers
I forgot about that. I was in on the Mr. Martin torture with Sev. He was awesome. Remember how he would go to a poverty stricken area (Africa I think) and we would have a presentation by his parents at school. I see his Dad on occassion, he is still tore up over losing him. He was a special guy who would have done great things.Honey Simms (Bejmovicz)
Shawn was in my homeroom class in High School. I sat between him & Andy Sullivan. They were always harrassing me (of course in a VERY humorous way). They made homeroom less of a chore. Shawn was also im my Government class (remember Mr. Asmus?) He was one of my favorite teachers. Shawn would constantly poke me for answers on tests..."Hey Simms do you know the answer to #2...etc" Of course I helped him, who could resist that smile. Shawn was a wonderful guy & is missed by all.Regina Crain (Bennett)
I was in Shawn's 6th grade class. I always thought that Shawn and David Chambers were the most dreamiest boys in the whole world! ha, ha. We would always pass notes. He was always so much fun. I was so socked when I heard of the wreck. I know he is truely missed by our whole class.Mark Adkins
Shawn was hilarious! I remember going to see Hulk Hogan fight Harley race with him and his dad. That was cool. He and I would reenact elbow drops, the Hogan leg drop, the Dusty Rhoads in -ring speeches, etc. in the locker room before Freshman basketball games/practices. I remember, vividly, him pile driving someone and almost knocking them out. What a great guy! He really touched a lot of people in his short time here with us.Richard Avery
Shawn was one of those people you meet in Life that no matter how long you get to be around them they make a lasting impression on you. I remember marching band at CJHS and "trading" instruments with Shawn when Mr Thomas was not looking. There were a few times when we marched the whole period and never got caught. Shawn probably played my Sax better anyway!Greg Kondritz
I remember Shawn (or "Sev" as a lot of us knew him) with many many fond memories and feelings. We basically grew up together at Denning, and I've got a lot of memories of playing bball with Sev on the playground during recess and lunch. I'd forgotten about his sweet baseline move until Kellie mentioned (which I believe was also usually accompanied by a nice finger roll). I also remember how he gave Dave the nickname "Cheese", which I don't really remember why! I also remember traveling to St. Louis with Shawn and his parents Dale and Peggy for a baseball card show in the '80s.I can remember the day that Shawn passed on like it was yesterday - I felt like I had gotten hit in the chest with a sledgehammer, just speechless. Although Sev and I didn't hang out much in high school, he was one of those guys that whenever you saw him it was very comfortable and relaxed, like we hadn't missed a beat. Even though it's been about 14 years since he passed on, I still think about Sev quite often and my heart goes out to Dale and Peggy.
So I don't end on a sad note, I should mention that whenever I think about Shawn, I can't do it without seeing him with a big smile on his face and wearing that yellow, ripped Hulkamania shirt!
Leslea Buffington (Barnes)
I don't have any particular stories about Shawn, but going to Denning he is in a lot of my childhood memories. I can still picture him standing there in band class playing those drums. He was a GREAT guy and really always nice and friendly to everyone. He will truly be missed at our class reunion.Where was I at in band, I never knew you all traded instruments, that is too funny!
Kristy Perry (Harrison)
He always called me his "Queen"....Denning School Carnival. I miss him as I'm sure we all do. If we could all still have his sense of humor, the world would be a greater place:) You'll never be forgotten!!!!