Shawn McKinley Martin

Shawn was the loving husband of Katherine “Katie” Vint Martin for 25 years, and an extraordinary father to Seth-Michael W. Vint and Emma Carol Martin.

Shawn spent his entire life in Elkridge. He grew up in the Harwood neighborhood and moved only once in his life—directly next door to his childhood home. He was raised not by one household alone, but by an entire neighborhood of neighbors who loved him as their own. Many hands helped guide him, and he carried the imprint of that collective love and care throughout his life.

Shawn leaves behind his devoted wife, Katie; his beloved son, Seth-Michael; and his cherished daughter, Emma, who will forever hold his memory close to their hearts. He is also survived by his mother, Betty Martin of Elkridge; his Gettysburg, Pa family, Barbara and Dennis Love, Christopher and Madison Love, Michelle Crudden, Chad and Kasie Love, and Matthew Love and fiance Kenzie Easter; and numerous nephews and a niece.

One of Shawn’s most recent and greatest joys was becoming a grandfather to River L. Vint. He also leaves behind his beloved daughter-in-law, Aysia Vint of Jacksonville NC. Shawn is survived by in-laws, Larry and Sue Vint of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, and his sister-in-law, Lauren Vint, and her fiancé, Norman Portillo, of Arnold, Maryland. He is lovingly remembered by countless friends who were never just friends, but family in every way that mattered.

Shawn graduated from Howard High School with the Class of 1995. His childhood was filled with memories of spending time at his best friend John Riggleman’s house, hanging out at the park, and playing baseball as “one of the boys” with the Miller family, where Rusty and Lydia both served as his coaches. When he wasn’t with them, you could almost guarantee he was at the Rothstein house, idolizing, (then known as) “Big Shawn” or hanging out with Michael.

Shawn especially cherished traveling to motocross events with the Rothsteins, where he proudly served as their official pit crew member and mechanic. These childhood friendships and experiences helped shape the loyal, hardworking, and big-hearted man he would become.

A Gentle Giant with a Heart of Gold

Shawn was a gentle giant with the personality of a teddy bear. Those qualities served him well during his 19 years protecting patrons at Cancun Cantina. He eventually gave up that job for his daughter, but the friendships and memories he made there remained a special part of his life.

Shawn had countless friends at Cancun Cantina and never forgot a face—maybe a name, but never a face! Lee and Bubba were his brothers in arms, alongside the many other bouncers who formed a brotherhood like no other.

His years there brought opportunities and experiences many people could only dream of. He regularly met famous people and even had the opportunity to pray with quite a few. He weathered countless quarrels, several remodels, live bulls, and even a fire, always making the safety of everyone around him his top priority.

A Hardworking Man Who Always Put Family First

Shawn was venturous when it came to his working life. His greatest priority was always providing a happy, healthy, and wonderful life for his family. He always chose employment that allowed him to grow and become a better person.

Shawn and Katie began their married life working together at Culligan Bottled Water. After many endeavors in between, they found themselves working together years later at ThompsonGas. Shawn ultimately discovered his final and favorite job at Johns Hopkins University’s Applied Physics Laboratory.

Through that position, Shawn traveled across the United States making top secret government classified deliveries, All the while visiting places and staying in different towns for the first time in his life. For a man who had spent nearly his entire life in Elkridge, these travels opened up a whole new world of experiences.

A Life Full of Passions, Friendship, and Family

Shawn was always involved in something. Whether he was watching Supercross with loved ones and friends, spending weekends at BMX tracks with his BMX family, or simply settling in to watch the Ravens or Orioles, he was happiest when surrounded by his people, his dogs and things he loved.

He was a mountain of a man with a peaceful soul who made friends with nearly everyone he met. Yet, above all else, his greatest joy in life was spending time with his family.

Shawn gave Seth-Michael every opportunity to discover his “perfect sport.” From dirt bikes to soccer, baseball, lacrosse, football, and BMX, Shawn stood proudly by his side, offering encouragement every step of the way. No matter which sport Seth-Michael pursued, Shawn could always be found on the sidelines, cheering him on with the pride of a father who believed in his son.

When Emma picked up her brother’s much larger bike with the attitude that if boys could do it, girls could do it better, Shawn knew BMX was going to become a big part of their lives. Before long, it became his passion, too.

Every weekend, rain or shine, Shawn and his family could be found traveling to one BMX track or another. Their home track was Chesapeake BMX in Severn, Maryland, But Shawn and Emma truly found a family when they joined the team Factory Alltow. He found guidance and friendship from Renato, and a best friend from Zeke.

At the track, Shawn was always ready to help another BMX rider in need, regardless of age or experience. He offered encouragement, support, and advice gained from his own years around the sport. He was the person you wanted in your corner—the one who always had your back and knew exactly when someone needed one of his unforgettable hugs.

A Legacy of Love

Shawn built a lifetime of memories that his wife and children will carry in their hearts forever. He helped shape his children into the amazing, successful people they are today, giving them opportunities, encouragement, and the confidence to pursue their passions.

He was the kind of husband and father many can only dream of having: devoted, protective, encouraging, and endlessly loving. His family was his greatest accomplishment, his proudest achievement, and the center of his world.

Shawn will be forever loved by his adoring wife and children. Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, the love he gave, the lessons he taught, the friendships he nurtured, and the memories he created will continue to live on through everyone fortunate enough to have known him.

Shawn was preceded in death by his Father, Ted Martin, his Aunt, Lori Baker-Sauder, and family friend Bill “Homer” Rothstein.

Services and Remembrance Like so many of the good ol’ boys of Elkridge, Shawn will be laid to rest among the community he called home, with services at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, Maryland. Friends and family are invited to gather on Friday, October 23, 2026, from 2–4 p.m. or 6–8 p.m. to honor Shawn’s life, share memories, and celebrate the remarkable man who meant so much to so many.