Shawn Paul Mays

Shawn Paul Mays was born February 25, 1968 in Oklahoma City, OK. He lived in Maysville, where he attended Kindergarten and First Grade. The family then moved to Pauls Valley where he started school at Hill Top School in Pauls Valley. There he was educated on many things. He learned to read, write (both print and cursive), cook, sew and garden to name a few. After graduating he moved to a group home and entered the workforce. He worked for many places, in the Garvin County area, with the assistance of the GCCLC “Workshop”. Walmart Distribution Center, Flying J Truck Stop, GW Animal Park and Valley Gifts & Awards, to name a few.

In 1996, Shawn joined Sandy Ridgeway (Sundance of Oklahoma) in her independent living program on the Ranch. Shawn absolutely loved living on the ranch where he and his housemates had daily chores. He loved grooming and showing horses, raising chickens, training dogs and driving his OU golf cart. (Which he may have been stuck in the mud a few times after it rained). He also loved “helping” Audie BBQ and cook. While on the ranch Shawn and David Butler had a Farm Fresh Egg business where they supplied the locals, friends and family with Farm Fresh Eggs. 

In 1998 Shawn received the Governors Disability Employment Award. This very high honor recognizes employees who are succeeding in making the transition into the world of work while overcoming great obstacles, with determination, dedication and hard work.          
Shawn then traveled with the organization “People First” and friends to Washington DC as an advocate for people with disabilities in April of 2000.

The greatest accomplishment Shawn made as a young man, was accepting the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior. He followed his decision with Believers Baptism at First Baptist Maysville. He loved Jesus and would say, “I know Jesus in my heart. Do you?”. He loved singing praise songs and old hymns at his church of many years, Christian Life Church of Pauls Valley.

Shawn had many additional hobbies. He loved old country music, dancing, fishing, photography, growing “The Best” garden, watching OU Sooners football, smelling good and giving the best hugs around.  His love of the OU Sooners was evident from his clothing and home décor, to his autographed footballs. His loved fishing and displayed his trophy Bass on his living room wall. His passion for photography was proven by the many blue ribbons that he won in the open photography class at the fair. Shawn enjoyed the many trips to state parks with his Mom, Darrell and Sue exploring nature to find the perfect picture for the next photography contest.
Shawn loved life. He loved to celebrate, have a party or get together. He loved his family, proud of each and everyone and bragged on them often.

He and his housemates, Finas Nipp and Michael Welch, enjoyed many years of activities together and bonded as brothers. Shawn was definitely the leader “Boss” of the house. He let everyone know “I’m the oldest”.  One of their favorite activities was making their daily trip to Sonic for a Route 44 drink.

Over the years, Shawn has been very blessed to have an amazing team of staff overseeing his daily living. None of this would have been possible without the leadership of Sandy Ridgeway. There will never be enough to say about the years under her guidance and love. His family is truly grateful for the love and care that you have given Shawn over the years. 

Those left behind to cherish his memories are his parents, Vicki and Darrell Lewis of Maysville; a brother, Jason Mays of Lindsay; and sisters, Julie Tutwiler and Cody of Bixby, and Pepper Austin and Carl of Lindsay. Nieces: Niki Crull and Cody, Ashlan Scott and Holden, Abbie Mays, Allyson Mays, Presley Lawrence and John Mark, Chance Austin.  Great Nephews, Cason and Cooper Crull.
He is also survived by: Sandy Ridgeway, Finas Nipp, and Michael Welch all of the home.

Shawn was preceded in death by his father, Victor Paul Mays.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Christian Life Church, Pauls Valley with Bro. Neil Barlow officiating.  Burial will be in the Maysville Cemetery under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home, Maysville, OK.  Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.winansfuneralhome.com

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