John E. Shawen

John E Shawen was born August 25, 1943, in Dayton OH. He passed away from a short illness caused by cancer at home December 27, 2023 at the age of 80 with his wife, Brenda of 59 year and 2 daughters, Janet and Pam, by his side.
In the early years his family moved to Orlando, Florida from Centerville OH. He attended St Charles Catholic School and graduated in 1961 from Bishop Moore High School, Orlando, FL. He served in the US Airforce at Eglin Airforce Base, Ft Walton Beach for 4 years. He attended Florida State University where he graduated in 1968.
After graduation he worked for Ernst & Ernst Accounting firm, Orlando, FL. He was hired by Disney World prior to their opening in Orlando, FL. He held the title of Financial Manager and implemented the financial system and budgeting which later was adopted by all Disney divisions worldwide and still used today. Another opportunity arose for him to open another theme park in 1973, Circus World in Florida with partners, American Broadcasting Co. Later he met George Millay, the founder of SeaWorld®, where he and George formed the first water park of its kind in the US, known as Wet'N'Wild, in Orlando, FL, where he was Executuve Vice President. Wet'N'Wild grew throughout the US and internationally. During his position with Wet'N'Wild he also served on the Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board in Arlington, TX from 1983-1985.He retired in 1998.
He and Brenda traveled extensively over the years visiting 39 countries and visiting all the US states but 2 (Washington & Oregon). After a two-year search, He and Brenda found their forever home in Granbury, TX in 2000.
John was an avid hunter at an early age and continued going after the "big one", he has several big game awards throughout his lifetime. From childhood he enjoyed boating with family and friends and anything outdoors. He & Brenda took up golfing, where they met so many life-long friends. At Pecan Plantation he served on the Board of Directors starting in 2004, served on the Financial Board for many years, as well as President for Pecan Plantation 2006-2007. In addition, he served as Treasurer of The Bluff's HOA from 2000 until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Shields) Shawen who he met in 1958 and later married in 1964 where they celebrated their 59th anniversary on September 12, 2023. His two daughters, Janet Shawen (spouse Chad Blake) and Pam Shawen. His sister Shannon Brooks (spouse Jim Brooks). Papa to 4 Grandchildren, Wes Ellett, Tiffany Hankins (spouse Rob Hankins), Morgan Evans, Maddy Hart. 6 Great-Grandchildren, Kailey Fisher, Ryker Hankins, Rydge Hankins, Ryatt Hankins, Ryzer Hankins, Emery Evans and nieces, nephews, cousins and many good friends.
Proceeded in death by his son Michael Patrick Shawen 1977, Parents, Patricia and Robert Shawen, brother, Bobby Shawen.
The lives and people he impacted are endless.
His celebration for life will be held January 5, 2024 at Wiley Funeral Home, Wiley Center in Granbury TX at 2pm CST. Interment will be in Orlando FL at a later date with Military Honors.