Shawn Bowen Sr.

Shawn Patrick Bowen Sr. passed from this life on Friday, March 20, 2026, in Lubbock, Texas, at the age of 51.

Shawn was born in Amarillo, Texas, on October 28, 1974, to Mark and Joy Bowen. He was the oldest of three children and the first to venture out on his own. In junior high, he was a football standout. In high school, he became a bit of a cowboy and tried bull riding. After high school, he worked full-time with his grandfather at Bowen Motor Company, which sparked his interest in and led to a successful career as a recreational vehicle mechanic and technician.

Over 20 years ago, Shawn met his wife, Neely Campbell. Their life together was lively, passionate, and never dull. Neither of them could sit still for very long, which led to frequent projects, adventures, walks to the park, and road trips to be with family and friends in Amarillo, the lake, Ruidoso, and beyond. Their marriage was an example of loyalty, commitment, love, and the occasional roller coaster ride they both gladly rode together until the end.

Shawn's journey was marked by laughter, love, a free spirit, and a touch of mischief. He enjoyed hosting gatherings and sharing laughter with family and friends, listening to music, doting on his pets with pats and scratches, savoring Neely's home-cooked meals, and spending time in his garage repairing, creating, and building just about anything. He was known for cutting up, razzing, roughhousing, and joking with kids - and grown-ups too from time to time. Throughout his life, he greeted everyone with a heartfelt hug or handshake and an occasional playful rib jab with every hello and goodbye. As for his grandkids, they all called him Papa. Shawn loved them to the moon and back, and he claimed on more than one occasion that they gave him a special superpower he called Papa power.

Beginning at age 10, Shawn started helping his mother run their family-owned store called This and That. He also began attending all kinds of auctions with his grandfather and even became an aspiring auctioneer. In fact, his family believed he might choose auctioneering as his career path. By age 12, Shawn was working with his grandfather at Bowen Motor Company, another family business, which was the first Winnebago dealership in Amarillo. By helping his grandfather sell and work on truck toppers, folding campers, and RVs, his passion for RVs and his mechanical skills emerged. After high school, Shawn struck out on his own. Over the years, he worked for several RV dealerships in Lubbock, honed his skills as a mechanic and RV technician, continued his education in the field, obtained multiple specialized technical certifications, and was promoted for his expertise and work ethic. He sometimes worked independently, almost always had side jobs, and earned many loyal and repeat customers because of his never-give-up attitude and pride in a job well done.

Shawn was fun-loving, energetic, and always on the move. He faced life with an open heart, and despite ups and downs, he was a man of faith. He read from his devotional book, Jesus Calling, on countless mornings to start his day off right. He was a lifelong collector and curator of all sorts of treasures. Anyone who has ever been inside his home, garage, and sheds, can attest to this fact. He collected many things – coins, stamps, model cars, trinkets, license plates, tools, Harley Davidson swag, and all things antique with a story to tell. He saw the value and importance of discarded, rusted, or broken items and gave them a new life by refurbishing, repairing, repainting, repurposing, and restoring them into the gems they once were. If he couldn't restore something to its original condition, he'd save it anyway, knowing it might be useful one day. Of all the things in his collection, his most prized treasures were those that family members made for him, gave to him as gifts, and passed down to him. These items held prominent places on shelves, in frames, or inside special boxes and cases. His collection was a sight to behold. Despite it appearing to be chaotic and disorganized, it wasn't. He knew precisely where everything was and could tell you the history and origin of each and every item.

Above all, Shawn was generous. He often made heartfelt, one-of-a-kind gifts for others, and more times than not, these gifts included at least one item from his curated collection of treasures. Shawn was also always willing and ready to lend a hand to anyone, especially to those who were down on their luck or facing tough times. His and Neely's home was always open for anyone seeking refuge. Those in need could stay as long as they wanted, until they were back on their feet again. He loved everyone. He loved them as fiercely as he lived.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Neely Campbell; stepdaughters, Kaitlynn Campbell-Green and husband Moss, Shelby Lackey and husband Trevin, and Hailey Lackey; sons, Shawn Patrick Bowen Jr. and wife Beth, and Tristan Hartley and wife Carley; mother, Joy Bowen and companion John; brother, Timothy Bowen; sister, Trinity Bowen; mother-in-law, Donna Lawler; grandchildren, Myra, Oliver, Charlie, and Magnolia; and pets, Girl and Taco.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Mary and Ernest Bowen; father, Mark Bowen, father-in-law, Ted Lawler; and pets, Scraggles, Shelby, Theodore, and Oreo.

Celebration of Shawn's Life will be at 1:30 P.M. Thursday, April 2, 2026, in the Agape Funeral Chapel with Mike Waller officiating.

Instead of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to your favorite charity in Shawn's name – continuing his spirit of generosity.