Shawn M. DeChaney

Shawn M. DeChaney, 39, of Morton, IL, died at 6:55 pm Friday, November 30, 2012 at Barnes Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Born on March 1, 1973 in Pekin, IL, to Mike and Beverly Baker DeChaney, he married Jami Lynn Harris on May 20, 2000 in Morton, IL. She survives. Also surviving are his children, Justin and Paige DeChaney, both at home, his parents, Bev DeChaney of Morton, IL, and Mike (Erin) DeChaney of Mackinaw, IL, his sister, Kelli DeChaney (Don Ferguson) of Washington, IL, his grandmother, Kathryn Baker, of Decatur, IL, his mother-in-law, Barbara Harris of Morton, IL, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Shawn was preceded in death by his grandfathers Cletus Baker and John DeChaney, grandmother, Beth Clark, aunt, Jan DeChaney and grandfather-in-law, Leroy Rea. Shawn worked as a Mechanic at Meineke Car Care on Prospect in Peoria for nearly 20 years. He also attended Crosspoint Church in East Peoria. His enjoyments in life were many and diverse, from his love of cars, especially his Mustang which he was restoring, to his passion for fishing and of all things water whether it be tubing on the river or relaxing at Shelbyville, to playing his guitar. His big smile was always present when he was outdoors, especially when camping. When he wasn't enjoying the great outdoors he would be reading about WWII, steam engines or any other bits and pieces of history which he was always ready to share at a morning breakfast or a long road trip. He always looked forward to Monday night dinners and trivia with "the E's", summer boating, holidays with his extended family and nights out with his many and wonderful friends. He took simple pleasure in watching baseball games with his family on the couch. If you asked him what his favorite way to pass the time was, he would tell you "Dad and Bug" dates with Paige and playing Halo and going fishing with Justin. He used every moment, no matter how small as a teaching opportunity for his children. The best part about Shawn was that he shared his passions with his family and his friends and made those times better for all of us to enjoy. Shawn was strong and brave, a true miracle to all those who had the honor to know him. A funeral service for Shawn will be at 7 pm Thursday, December 6, 2012 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington. Visitation will be from 4-7 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be private at Herstein Cemetery in rural Morton.

Shawn M. DeChaney

March 1, 1973 - November 30, 2012