Christopher Shawn Johnson

Christopher Shawn Johnson (November 4, 1974 - November 25, 2025) Born November 4, 1974, in Louisville, Kentucky, Shawn’s early years were marked by hardship, but he found strength and love in the care of his beloved grandmother, Evon Watson—his “granny”—and her husband, Carl Watson, whom he affectionately called Pops. For the first 16 years of his life, they were his foundation. Shawn rarely spoke of his childhood, and when he did, it was often in riddles. Instead, he chose to focus on the brighter chapters of his adolescence, the time that occurred upon moving to Germantown in the 1980s. There, he met the Smith family, who welcomed him as one of their own. His days spent at the local pool hall and nights filled with mischief alongside his best friend, “Little Dannie”, would become the memories that shaped him.

Through this friendship, Shawn met two people who would finish raising him and become like parents: Dannie Smith Sr. and Patricia Smith. It was also during this time that he met his first love, Christy Johnson. Together, they shared life’s joys and raised two sons, Tyler (Alex) and Daylen. Shawn was a devoted father, bonding with his boys through UK basketball games, WWE wrestling, and countless hours coaching them on the baseball field. In later years, Shawn found love again with Susan Oxley, embracing life as part of a blended family with her children, Cooper and Kyleigh. Susan introduced him to new adventures—from traveling to Turks and Caicos to becoming a “lake guy”—and together they built a life full of laughter and love. Shawn’s journey was defined by resilience, connection, and influence. He wore many titles throughout his life: Son, Brother, Husband, Father, Friend, “Big Shawny,” Coach, Director, and Official. Perhaps his favorite title of all was “Mean Pops,” a name he proudly earned from his grandson, Jaxson Christopher Tyler. Each role reflected the depth of his character and the love he shared with those around him. Visitation will be held at Schoppenhorst Underwood & Brooks Funeral Home (123 Winning Colors Dr., Mt. Washington, KY 40047) on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the funeral service at 1:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Brookland Cemetery (4895 N. Preston Hwy at John Harper Freeway, Shepherdsville, KY 40165). The family kindly requests that guests wear attire celebrating Shawn’s love for baseball and sports. Suggested options include team or tournament jerseys, Yankees apparel, or Kentucky Wildcats gear.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Shawn’s memory to consider contributing to a project that reflects his lifelong passion for baseball. Donations will help fund the naming of a baseball field in his honor to provide a lasting tribute to his love for the game and dedication to the community. Donations can be made via the following methods:

● Venmo, @johnson_ke

● GoFundMe, https://gofund.me/6736631d3