GW Shopbell

It is an honor and a privilege to put pen to paper to describe the man who meant so much to so many people. GW passed on March 18, 2026, at 80 years old. GW was born in Kansas, spent the majority of his life as a Killeen resident (KHS graduate of 1964) and lived in Tyler, TX.

GW never met a stranger, any person he came into contact with was an instant friend. His humor and smile instantly put people at ease and they began conversations like life-long friends. Anyone who knew him could instantly tell you about his pride as a Vietnam Veteran Marine, his love for hunting and complete devotion to his animals.

GW would be the first person to help a friend in need, and he wasn’t shy about asking for a favor or two! Gifts were his absolute love language and he always gave without hesitation, he loved to give as much as he could. GW was a staple in the lives of many while he lived in Tyler, TX and served as a youth counselor/member at Pollard United Methodist Church. He also left his mark on the Tyler Bicycle Club, he peddled in the Hotter’N Hell Hundred, The Beauty and the Beast and many regional rides over the years. Cycling was his passion.

GW is survived by two daughters, Allison Shopbell-Ware and Ashley Wolff and many “adopted children” that he took under his wing (which are far too numerous to list here). Ronnie Skinner and Yani Sanchez have been pivotal in GW’s life over the past decades and recent years. He is preceded in death by his parents, Gilbert and Helen Shopbell, both of Killeen. Visitation will be held at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home (Killeen) on March 26, 2026 from 6-8pm (as if GW planned this himself, food will be available). Funeral services will be at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home (Killeen) on March 27, 2026 at 8:30am followed by burial at

Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery with full Military Honors at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to The CenTex Humane Society (Second Chance Animal Shelter)in GW’s name, they are a no-kill animal shelter that serves the Killeen a