Merry Christmas Warren 
So much is happening that you are not here to enjoy. We all miss you everyday, however, I know that you’re in a place of peace. I love you my boy, forever L2L

I'm working on this for you. Miss you every day! 😢


I freeze mid-step on an ordinary street
That old chill runs underneath my feet
The sky feels heavy, like it’s holding back
I brace for thunder, or the heart to crack

But there it is, soft and small
A white edge drifting by the wall
And I remember what you used to do
When the dark got loud and I prayed for you

Feathers don’t fall for nothing
You send them when the worry starts
A signal in the silence
That I won’t be torn apart
You never say a word out loud
But I know that sign by heart
Feathers don’t fall for nothing
You leave them when the fear gets dark

I found one near our steps last June
And before the doctor walked into your brother's room
I found one near the back door light
When I thought I wouldn’t sleep that night

Some might say it’s just the breeze
But you speak in softer symphonies
I see your message in the drift
Each feather lands like a gentle gift

Feathers don’t fall for nothing
You send them when I come undone
A hush against the chaos
Like the warmth of the sun
No thunder, no grand curtain call
Just grace in how they come
Feathers don’t fall for nothing
You're telling me it won’t be long

Maybe I'm not meant to understand
Why I still feel you in my hands
But when the air goes cold, and I’m afraid
Your quiet sign reminds me — stay

Feathers don’t fall for nothing
They land when I need them most
A thread between the here and gone
You're stronger as a ghost
And every time I start to break
You leave your mark, so close
Feathers don’t fall for nothing
You’re still here — I’m not alone

You're still here… I’m not alone

Happy 32nd birthday my boy. I miss you so much.

Give Tim our love in Heaven. Aunt Vonnies ornaments this year 2024.

You've made such a wonderful lasting impression in our lives! It doesn't matter how many years pass, there's always so many reminders! You are now and will always be in our thoughts. See you later.

Well dad and I are renewing our vows. It won’t be the same without you. Nothing is ever going to be the same, you are missed more than any word could possibly express. I love you my son forever and always

Matt proposed to Khyla and she said yes! I know you are so excited for them. Matt’s been through a lot and thank the Lord he’s happy and healthy. 

Happy 30th birthday Warren Vincent. I miss your face, smile and love of life. 

Your brother on his 27th birthday. We all miss you everyday. Our family needs your silliness, it was and continues to be an absolutely a gift. Smiles are rare here, tears are daily. 

Not many days go by that you're not thought of in our house, all kinds of reminders. Maybe a story Anthony is telling, your picture on the wall or maybe because it's a Monday. For me it's everyday i take a road test on East Warren Ave. Guess it will always be that way. We have a 18 yr. old kid at work now who's a skater. I tell him all the stories about you guys and the parks i use to take you guys to. I think he likes Oak Park as much as you. Joe moved to Florida for now. Anthony and Sara are still together. Anthony and Caleb are back hanging out again. You need to straighten them two out! Don't think he see's Pat as much as he'd like. I'm just glad you guys are all still friends. We'll see you later. Joe

I want to scream so loud, how much I miss you. Our family misses you so much. I’m waiting, each day a little closer. 

Good morning Warren, 
   I love you and miss you!

God please help me, 
   Warren, I can’t believe your going to be 29 years old. I want to celebrate not grieve. Why can’t you be here, making us laugh. I love you forever and beyond. 

My sweet boy, 
   Today is going to be so difficult for Charlotte and her family. I’m going to try my hardest to be as strong as possible. Jared’s death, even though I don’t personally know him, hit me hard. I feel like Charlotte and I learned and lived through the lives of our children. Losing you was/is/always will be a signature on my death certificate. My heart 💔 
I love you, Warren 

I’m so sorry my boy. I just keep failing. I hope Marley is with you and so happy. He’s missed you everyday. I’m so sorry 

Hello My Boy, 
   Yesterday was another birthday of mine without you. I had a good day but always missing you. We did yoga with goats ( a surprise for Savanna). One year closer to you.

The Boy who could have been anything 
When life began it was you and me 
Then there were four
You finally had a dad, someone to love you 
To hold you til death do us part
We never dreamed the reaper would come and break our souls
The life you holds a meaning and purpose 
The way your eyes lit up when you lied
Having your own style and be damned who didn’t like it
You had a heart of gold that matched the flecks in your eyes 
Everyone loved you and that’s no surprise 
You lit up the room when you arrived 
Forever our son 
Beyond our deaths
In Heaven we reunite 



Patrick stopped by last week to pick up Anthony. He ask how old Mya was now. It made me think of when we first got her and we were trying to think of a name for her-you wanted to name her BoBo! Glad we stuck with Mya.Lol.  Not many days go by that your name isn't brought up.  So many reminders. I was thinking about the time i went Macomb college for a test i had to do for work . I was walking around the court yard looking for the k building  when i ran into you-Ukulele and bare feet ! You pointed me in the right direction. I thought you fit perfectly into that college lifestyle. What do you think about Anthony and Caleb with girlfriends? Crazy days. Still working on getting that last skateboard to Tampa. Stop by and ck. up on Anthony sometime. We'll see you later. 

I’m sitting here at your favorite spot about to have coffee. I can picture you here, making jokes and getting everyone amped up. I miss you beyond my last breath. 

I miss you!!!! The world really needs  your smile. I need your smile. I can’t remember life before the pain and emptiness anymore. God, please help me, this loss is to great. 

My heart, my boy, Warren I can’t do this anymore. I need the pain to end, to not feel empty, hollow, lifeless. I know when God is ready we will be together. I will pray and devote myself to God, because he’s been with me since you left. Warren, I pray that you don’t see what I’ve become. 

Shelly made these cookies for your birthday since you never liked cake 🤣🤣. Happy 28th birthday Warren, I love you!

Happy Heavenly Birthday Warren!
You are 28 years old today and I can only imagine the things you would be doing. I’m sure you would be coming up with more ideas on the house and complaining that you can’t go skate. I’m sure we would all be together though and losing you made everything fall apart. You are and will always be my first love. 
                          Big Rig Trish 🤦🏻‍♀️

Merry Christmas Warren, 
   This Batman is from MarTenya and I will put it with your tree. I love you Warren and there are no words that can express how I feel without you here. Happy Christmas❤️🎄👼🏻

Merry Christmas Eve,
        I love you my boy and I can’t wait to be with you again. Mommy has to get well so I can be here and do what you need me to do. My heart is so sad, we all miss your spirit. Love forever ❤️

Hello My Warren,
   I wanted to say Happy Holiday Season. My favorite part of Christmas is the tree. I even remember when I was little, loving the tree. There has only one Christmas 2018 that I lost my joy for what a tree means to me. 
   I see the Christmas Tree as hope, purity and beauty. The tree symbolizes blessings and it is decorated with love and thoughtfulness. We can’t forget the memories we have thinking of Christmas’s past. The children’s homemade ornaments, the hot chocolate and Christmas movies. 
   This is what Christmas is to me, not gifts or competition but hope. 
    Merry Christmas 
            Love Mommy

Hi baby, 
  Yesterday was Thanksgiving and all I could think about was how much you loved having family over. We all miss you so much. I heard from Anthony and Caleb yesterday they are doing ok. Things will never be the same for all of us. I love you with every breath until I see you again. 

My heart is heavy today! I miss you more with each passing day. This doesn’t get easier, people are stupid for saying that. I would do anything to be with you and hug you so tight. 
Anthony posted this memory of you guys at your wedding shower. It looks like the two of you are getting married. We all miss you Warren everyday. 

There's not a day that goes by that you're not thought of in our house. Anthony had a pretty tough night last night even though he won't admit it. Hope you were with him while he walked last night. Give him a little nudge to let him know you're ok. He needs it. I still haven't made it back to Tampa but i'll get that skateboard there one way or another. We all miss you. Talk to you soon. 

I wish we could turn back time,  I would have yelled at you more about not taking care of how bad you really were feeling!  I don't know if that would have changed things but that's just one of life's many unanswered questions.  I know your up there with your untied boots just clumping away!  Miss you Warren! 

Today was the day my life fell upside down. I really miss you bud. I love you forever and always. 

I will always remember when this precious soul made his entrance into the world. His sweet mother who was already in love with him said with a smile "Warren." First words I said were "it's a baby!" And I was in love. When Zachary was born, he, Warren, and Ibby were buddies who had the best times together. 

Warren, you are loved. You are missed. You are forever in our hearts ❤️

I’m sure you are aware that Uncle Shawn passed away yesterday. I hope you were there to great him and let him know how much he is loved. I miss you my boy more than anything. I am counting them days until we are together. 

Today is MarTenya’s 26 birthday and I know you are with her. I can’t believe she is now older than you. I miss you my boy, more everyday. You are and will never be forgotten. 

Happy New Year Warren, 
    I don’t know what to say because the reality is you should be with us or with MarTenya in New York. I’m so sorry that your life was taken away from everyone who knew you and everyone that could have. I’m with you always and you are so deeply missed. I love you Warren, I can’t believe it’s 2020. 

You came to me today, I felt your hug so strongly. I felt your love for me and I seen your smile and felt your happiness. I love you so much Warren forever 

Merry Christmas Warren, I love you past the moon and stars. Mommy misses you my boy. 

It’s the second Christmas Eve without you, I think this one is harder on all of us. I hope you are surrounded by everyone who loves you and maybe even got the rest to join in on a Witkowski heavenly Christmas Eve. I’d like to think you are all sitting together just like we do every year. I can handle feeling empty as long as I know you are feeling loved. Merry Christmas Eve my boy, I love you beyond my last breath. 

I’m trying Warren, we got the tree and I bought gifts. It’s just not ever going to be the same. We are all so lost without your love of life here with us. I want so much for us to be together, a family again. I know you’re saying mom I love you and I need you to be happy and live a full happy life but I can’t. I could never explain the pain I feel and that my thoughts of you are constant. Your first Christmas we lived with aunt Sheila and you were walking along the furniture by then. Always on the go as soon as you could. I find all this Harry Potter stuff for your brother but I’m afraid to buy it because he said he hasn’t been able to watch it since you left us. I don’t want to cause any of us more pain. Love you Warren, Happy Heavenly Christmas. 

I hurt so bad today. I can’t stop crying, I miss you so much. I miss your silliness and your laugh. I miss the sound of your voice and the twinkle in your eyes. This can’t be the way it’s supposed to be it can’t. I feel like my heart is so broken and I wish it would just stop beating. I love David as much as I love you but I’m not being a good mom to him and he would be better off without me. I’m in a constant haze and I’m afraid of what will happen if it ever clears. I can’t wait to hold you again and not ever have to let go. 

Happy Thanksgiving Warren, I’m so lost without you. I am so empty and I’m tired of pretending I’m ok. I will never be ok again. I’m so sorry I couldn’t save you and keep you here with us. I will love you even after I take my last breath. 

Happy Halloween my sweet boy. I wish you were here with your friends, bon fire and trick or treating. I love you Warren 4-Ever 

We are working on getting the funds to build a memorial part of the skatepark for you. I would rather you were here with us but I’m trying to make you proud. I love you my boy and your friends and family miss you.

Autumn approaches and your not here, another birthday without you near 
The snow will start falling just like my tears, how can it be a year that we lost our son that is so dear
Christmas will come and we will smile and cheer, all while we are dying from the emptiness here


It’s coming up on a year. I don’t know how it’s been almost a year since I seen your face, your beautiful smile. I am incomplete without you, we all are. David can’t watch Harry Potter movies, dad is struggling to keep me together and the house and bills. I know you would be disappointed in me but you are part of my soul. We love you so much, you had/have such a presence of life. I can’t wait to see you again and hold you in my arms. 

My sweet boy, you should be here yelling at us to get it done because you want it perfect. I miss you beyond words and I’m doing this for you and because she deserves to be happy even for a few minutes. I know you will be there with us today as we celebrate MarTenya’s graduation. She did it and she’s working hard to keep going but it would be easier with you here. ❤️❤️ I know not your choice. 

I missed you today just like everyday. My heart is only beating 1/2 the time. I love you Warren forever and always. Your brother made me this for mother’s day today. 

She did it Warren. MarTenya graduated and has a art showcase coming up. We are so proud of her and I know you are too. I wish you were physically here with us but I know you are here. I love you my boy 

Lilian Bartholomew Vitkuvski your little sister. I know you would have loved her so much. I miss you my boy❤️

Happy Easter Warren! Oh how I wish you were here with us. I love you baby always and forever. 

Grandma is with you now and I know she gave you that hug I asked her to. I love you and will never be the same without you here with me. I wish that dreams came true and you would come back to us. 
MarTenya is graduating in May and I know you are so proud of her. You will be right by her side forever. 
❤️

I miss you more than my heart can handle!

I hope the days come easy and the moments pass slow,
And each road leads you where you wanna go,
And if you're faced with a choice, and you have to choose,
I hope you choose the one that means the most to you.
And if one door opens to another door closed,
I hope you keep on walkin' till you find the window,
If it's cold outside, show the world the warmth of your smile.
But more than anything, more than anything
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.
I hope you never look back, but you never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you live,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And always give more than you take.
But more than anything, yeah, more than anything
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish. Yeah, yeah.
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish (my wish, for you).
This is my wish (my wish, for you)
I hope you know somebody loves you (my wish, for you).
May all your dreams stay big (my wish, for you)


Happy Birthday my beautiful boy, I love so much and my heart is heavy today without you. You were a light in my life I refuse to let go out. I miss you and I hope you are not to disappointed in me for the lack of life I have now. Don’t ever forget I love you and you are a part of me even after I join you. 

 Six months ago tonight I left your hospital room. You were supposed to be moved from MICU to ICU the next day. I was happy because I knew that would allow you to be able to go outside again, and I was sure that would make you happy, and you would feel better. Never in a million years did I even think that that would be the last time I talked to you. Right before we left, I whispered into your ear words to assure you, and in my heart of hearts, to this day, and every day forward, I fully meant, and forever will. The last words I ever said to you were "I love you!" I do. It just hurts so bad, and so hard. I cry every day. I know you know how I feel when I can't fix things. What I wouldn't give to fix this for you my son, I love you!

                                                                                                                                                         Padre

It’s New Years Eve and you are not here. How do I start a new year without you. I don’t want to do this, I need you. I know you keep telling me that you’re ok but I’m not. Happy New Year Warren. ❤️

Merry Christmas Bud! These last couple of months up until now and on; have/will be hard. I miss you so dearly bud. I will love you forever and always Warren. ❤️ 

Merry Christmas Baby, I love you always and forever 

Tonight is the night you should be going out bugging people after midnight. Tomorrow is Christmas Eve and then Christmas, I don’t know how to do this without you. My heart hurts so bad. This was supposed to be a special year with your son or daughter and all of us as a family. I can’t believe you were both taken from us. We love you so much and nothing will ever be the same. All my love to you and David today and everyday. ❤️

You will be up there with me tonight, and your mother neglected to tell you I’m wearing your red pants. 😇

I still can’t believe you are gone. My sweet boy, I love you and miss you so much it’s paralyzing. Dad is playing a cancer benefit tonight and you won’t get to see it. I don’t know maybe you will be there proud that he’s finally doing it again. I can’t breathe without you and that sounds stupid since you really can’t breathe. I can’t get my head around why. I love you baby so so much. I’m dreaming about you now and I hope I do it everyday. I can’t wait to see you again.


Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I’m so lost without you. I miss you so much everyday. This isn’t fair and I feel all alone. I’m trying but I don’t want to. I just want the pain to end. You won’t be here to tell your jokes with David and to make fun of (well you know). The green bean casserole will be there and you won’t be there to eat it. My heart is broken and it will never be the same. I just feel empty. I hope you see how much you are loved and missed. Happy Thanksgiving to you my boy. I love you Warren forever. 

I TOOK A RIDE OUT TO THE OAK PARK SKATE PARK YESTERDAY. JUST SAT AND WATCHED THE KIDS SKATE. I REMEMBER THAT BEING ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE PARKS. EVERYTHING STILL LOOKS THE SAME. I KNOW YOU GUYS WERE STILL GOING BUTS ITS BEEN A LONG TIME FOR ME-STILL SEEMS LIKE YESTERDAY THOUGH. THERE WAS A LOT OF STUFF I SHOULD HAVE BEEN DOING BUT HONESTLY THERE'S NO WHERE ELSE I WOULD HAVE RATHER BEEN. A LOT OF THINGS I USE TO THINK WERE IMPORTANT  JUST DONT SEEM THAT IMPORTANT ANYMORE. MY VIEWS ON EVERYTHING HAVE CHANGED. IT WAS NICE JUST TO SIT AND REMEMBER. I'VE GOT A FEW MORE PARKS TO VISIT. TALK TO YOU SOON.

One month today bud. How can this be? My heart will be FOREVER broken and I don’t know if the pain will EVER go away. I try to laugh and smile and try to do all the things that will keep me distracted but bud it’s so hard. Words can’t express how much pain I am in. It might look like I am happy in the photos but to be honest I am not. I am trying to live my life like I know you would. I know you are telling me to live my life to the fullest but I can’t do that without you by my side every day, I can’t feel your warmth anymore and I need it back bud. I just need you back. I love you Warren Shawhan. You will ALWAYS be my bud.

I CAN'T  TELL YOU HOW MANY TIMES YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS EVERYDAY. ESPECIALLY LAST WEEK WHILE ON VACATION. I KNOW IT WAS A FEW YEARS AGO BUT ALL THEM MEMORIES OF YOU GUYS SWIMMING , SKATING AND JUST HANGING OUT COME RIGHT BACK. THERE WERE LOTS OF SMILES AND LOTS OF TEARS LAST WEEK. YOU MEAN SO MUCH TO OUR FAMILY-YOU ALWAYS WILL.  

My heart just can’t handle not seeing you and hearing you. I’m so lost I can’t think straight. I’m sorry I’m failing to honor the promise I made to you but I just don’t know how. I can’t say what I want because people wouldn’t understand. Everyone says it will take time or they understand but most don’t. This is a pain no one should have to feel. The loss of a physical part of you is devastating and paralyzing. I have suffered loss of grandparents that meant everything to me and the loss of my mother but this is not even on the same level of grief. Warren you were ripped away from me and I don’t understand why. I try to be a good person and help others but how much pain is one person supposed to deal with in one lifetime. I’m sorry because I know you wouldn’t want this but I don’t know how else to be. I love you and need you to be here telling me your plans for your house. Talking about the kids you wanted and the dreams you had for them. This can’t be real, my pain I feel every time I hear of a child getting killed for something stupid or by a sickness just doesn’t make sense. It didn’t before and it really doesn’t now. I’m rambling as usual but I love you and miss you my boy, we all do. 

Warren, I met you in 2003, my first year at South Lake, so I knew you for a couple of years before you left Elmwood. I rode you very hard about academics and homework. I used to joke with you that I had your mother on speed dial. I saw such potential in you. When I told you and your classmates I was being observed by my principal for a lesson I taught you, I will never forget how you rallied for me. During my observation, you not only behaved as the ideal student, you also urged the other kids to do the same. I felt so touched that you pulled this off for me and acknowledged you for it with thanks. Luckily I was still in touch with your mother and the rest of your awesome family, so was able to be at your graduation party. I was so proud of you: happy for you that you graduated, and also pleased to see what a nice young man you had become. Later, I had the honor of attending your wedding, meeting your wife and catching up with you when you worked at South Lake. Again, it was cool to see how awesome you had turned out. It was with great sadness for you, your wife and your wonderful family that I learned of your illness, then your tragic and unfair death. You certainly made an important impression on this world and those you left behind. Rest in peace. 

The first painting I did of you bud ❤️

It hurts more and more as each day passes. One day it might get easier but the pain will always be there. It’s hard to write any of these messages down or to look at everyone else’s. You were very loved and will always be and I couldn’t have asked for a better brother.

❤️❤️Chicago (Honeymoon) 2015 ❤️❤️

You’ve always loved your tiki statues! Haha I love you bud. 

Mackinac  and also Frankenmuth 2017

Bud, I will always remember these good times you had, climbing doing the stuff you LOVE to do! That’s why I loved you, you lived your life and you didn’t let anything stop you bud. And I am so happy that you lived your life to the fullest the whole 25 years you had. I love you bud and I will always. I will ALWAYS cherish the moments we had together and the memories we’ve had together. I love you bud. 


Love, 
Your wife (Boogie Butt) 

Warren and Anthony Belle Isle 2018 ❤️

 Dear Warren, I love that you gave me so many memories that I will hold dear to my heart. I remember going several times over to grandmas and you would be out side and you would say” Hi Uncle Jeff do you want to watch me do tricks on my skateboard?” and I would watch you, it didn’t matter what time of year it was, hot or cold, you would keep going until you got it right or until your mom called you in the house. I will never forget the time you came over my house to help me clean the gutters, when we were done we sat on the front porch and we talked about all kinds of things, one of which was that you wanted to own your own home instead of wasting your money paying rent, then the day you told me you were buying a house I couldn’t have been more proud of you! I will always miss you but I know 
 that I will miss you the most on Christmas eve eve, you loved going out with us guys.  I will always treasure the Christmas tree you made me years ago, I put the final ornament on it today.  I could go on and on  but I won’t, so until we meet again, you take care. Love Always, Uncle Jeff

It's been over two weeks, It feels like a moment ago, It feels like years....
I keep going back to that time at the Grand Canyon, when I looked over and saw you had slid under the railing, and were standing at the edge of the side, looking down. I told you to get away from the edge, and get back on the safe side of the railing. I asked you if you wanted to fall off the edge and hurt yourself, or even die? You just looked at me matter of factly, like you always did, and said " At least if I died, I'd die doing something cool!" Well my Buddy, I gotta say, at least you died with everyone knowing you were cool! 
It hurts that you've gone, really, really bad. 
Even though I'll always have an emptiness, my heart will always be filled with my love for you.
And you'll always be watching over everyone you love, and those that love you.
And see? We all got tattoos, I'm sorry you never were able to get yours.

                                                                                                                                        I love you my Son,
                                                                                                                                                   Padre

Tony Hawk Foundation

Visitation

Funeral Service

MarTenya Shawhan

Tricia and David Witkowski

David Witkowski Jr.

Marley and Ryley

Warren is also survived by his Papaw Larebear (Mamaw) Ledbetter; grandma: Mary Witkowski; godparents: Yvonne Wilt, Jeff Witkowski; aunts and uncles: Buggs (Judy) Witkowski, Laurie (Kevin) Krim, Joanie (Randy) Roskelly, Pam (Monty) Milburn, Sheila Philips, Terry Moffitt, Bruce “Batman” (Bonnie) Moffitt; and friends: Anthony, Patrick, and Caleb. Warren was preceded in death by his grandparents: Mimi (Big Daddy) Ledbetter, Vickie Dement, Vincent Witkowski Jr., Esther Moffitt; Aunt Susan Horton; uncles: Gary Smith and Bobby Moffitt, Jr. His memory will also be cherished by many friends and loving relatives.

OBITUARY

Warren Vincent Shawhan

8 February, 1993 – 30 July, 2018

Kaul Funeral Home

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