Charles Shawn Elmore

Shawn was born on March 26, 1954 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Shawn graduated from Norman Highschool in 1972 and went on to the University of Oklahoma ("BOOMER SOONER!") where he graduated with a drama degree in the mid-1970s. He met Deborah F. Drinkard of Del City, Oklahoma during a Starlight crusade at First Southern Baptist Church and they were married in the early 1980s. They raised 2 children and lived together for over 20 years and remained close friends. He moved to Kansas City, MO in 2014 where he met and married his husband, Dan Swartz in 2017.

Shawn was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Charles and Ora Elmore, and his younger sister, JoDeLynn Roberts all of Norman, OK. He is survived by his husband, Dan Swartz, of Kansas City, MO; his children Shawn Anthony and Shannon Michelle Elmore of Oklahoma City, OK; his sister Jalena and her husband, Mark Standrich, of Norman, OK and numerous nieces and nephews from all over the country.

Shawn loved reading and was always learning and he would share that knowledge with just about anyone who would listen!

He had many passions - art, theater, and tending his garden but he was most passionate about music. He played his piano at least 2 hours most days and enjoyed teaching children piano and voice. He also loved to be in church and rarely missed going.

He had a great love for his home state - from OU football to Thunder Basketball, from the flora and fauna to the diversity of the hills and plains of our great state. However, I believe what he loved most about Oklahoma was the rich history of his home state and he knew a lot about our history. If you've had any conversation with Shawn, you might have heard a story or two regarding something he knew about Oklahoma.

Just like his Dad, Shawn never knew a stranger. He could carry on a conversation with anyone he met and he called these meetings "divine appointments". For Shawn, it was never a coincidence but always the hand of God directing his steps toward those that might need some encouragement, a helping hand or just someone to listen.

He was a devoted father and loved his son and daughter deeply.

Shawn's beautiful voice, his piano playing, and his stories will be missed by many.