John E. Shawen was born August 25, 1943, in Dayton Ohio. He passed away from a short illness caused by cancer at his home December 27, 2023 at the age of 80 with his wife, Brenda of 59 years and daughters, Janet and Pam, by his side.
In the early years his family moved to Orlando, Florida from Centerville, Ohio. He attended St. Charles Catholic School and graduated in 1961 from Bishop Moore High School, Orlando, Florida. He served in the U.S. Airforce at Eglin Airforce Base, Fort.Walton Beach, Florida. He attended Florida State University where he graduated in 1968.
After graduation he worked for Ernst & Ernst Accounting firm, Orlando, Florida. He was hired by Disney World as Financial Manager prior to the parks opening in Orlando, Florida. An opportunity arose later with the American Broadcasting Company and Partners to open Circus World in Florida in 1973. Later, he met George Millay, the founder of SeaWorld®, where he and George formed the first water park of its kind in the U.S., known as Wet ’n Wild, in Orlando, Florida, where John was Executive Vice President. Wet ’n Wild grew throughout the U.S. and internationally. During his position with Wet ’n Wild he also served on the Convention & Visitors Bureau Advisory Board in Arlington, Texas from 1983-1985. He retired from Wet’n Wild in 1998, Arlington, Texas.
He and Brenda traveled extensively over the years visiting 39 countries and visiting all but two of the U.S. states (Washington & Oregon). After a two-year search, he and Brenda found their forever home in Granbury, Texas in 2000.
John was an avid hunter at an early age and continued going after the “big one”. He received several big game awards throughout his lifetime. From childhood he enjoyed boating with family and friends and anything outdoors. He and Brenda took up golfing, where they met so many life-long friends. At Pecan Plantation in Granbury, Texas he served on the Board of Directors starting in 2004, served on the Financial Committee for many years, as well as President for Pecan Plantation 2006-2007. In addition, he served as Treasurer of The Bluff’s HOA, where he resided from 2000 until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Brenda (Shields) Shawen who he met in 1958 and later married in 1964. They had 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 four Grandchildren, Wes Ellett, Tiffany Hankins (spouse Rob Hankins), Morgan Evans, Maddy Hart. Six Great-Grandchildren, Kailey Fisher, Ryker Hankins, Rydge Hankins, Ryatt Hankins, Ryzer Hankins, Emery Evans and many nieces, nephews, cousins and many lifelong friends.
Proceeded in death by his son Michael Patrick Shawen 1977, Parents, Patricia and Robert Shawen, and brother, Bobby Shawen.
His celebration of life was held on January 5, 2024 at Wiley Funeral Home, Granbury Texas.
The people he impacted are endless. The love John and Brenda had for each other was eternal and always came first. They met in 9th grade and knew instantly they were meant to be together for the rest of their lives. They were always the couple everyone strived to be like and looked at as the “Power Couple”.
Graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Memorial Park and Cemetery, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, in Gotha.