Shawn Ryan Lilley, 40, of Denver, Colorado was peacefully lifted to Heaven in God’s embrace while surrounded by family and loved ones on the evening of December 11, 2018. Shawn is survived by his wife and confidant, Dawn Schreiner-Lilley of Denver, CO, and was the very proud father of Seth Alexander Lilley, 15, of Denver, Colorado and Ocean Pines, Maryland, Dillon Trageser, 20, of Hanover, Pennsylvania, and Kory Weas, 18, of Lutherville-Timonium, Maryland. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Shawn’s family moved to Eldersburg where he met Dawn while attended Liberty High School.
He is survived by father, Robert Lilley (Lynne) of Sunlakes, Arizona, and mother, Patricia Morill (John) of Frederick, Maryland, as well as his paternal grandmother, Catherine “Mommaw” Lilley of Catonsville, Maryland. Shawn is also survived by his two adoring sisters whom Shawn affectionately called “squirt and squirtle,” Beth Lilley of Damascus, Maryland, and Julia Farjado (Mario) of Mount Airy, Maryland, as well as two step-brothers, Christopher Morrill and Jason Morrill (Amy), and proud uncle of Lucia and Adelina Farjado. Shawn was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Joseph “Poppie” Lilley, as well as maternal grandparents, Harold and Esther Ryan.
Among those included in Shawn’s surrogate family are Bernard and Darlene Schreiner of Eldersburg, Maryland, who supported and guided Shawn for the past 25 years and were known and loved by Shawn as Mom and Dad. He was also deeply cared for by Dawn’s Grandmother, Ethel “Grandma” Rider. Brother-In-Laws include Bernie Schreiner (Laurie) of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Kevin Schreiner (ToniAnn) of Black Hawk, Colorado, and Christopher Schreiner (Sara) of Denver, Colorado, as well as nieces and nephews Austin Schreiner, Hannah Schreiner, and Kevin “KJ” Schreiner, Jr
He will be missed not only by his family, but also by members of Shawn extended family, people that have been forever changed by the gift of his presence. Shawn and Dawn knew the love and support of their best friends, Jim Taylor (Holly) of Parkville, Maryland, Kati Johnson (Eric) of Sykesville, Maryland, Randy East (Rob) of Denver, Colorado, and Alaine Abel of Eldersburg, Maryland. Additionally, Shawn adopted many nieces and nephews of those he loved, including Jim & Holly’s children, Kyle and Korey, as well as Kati and Eric’s children, Jasper and Ivy.
Shawn was also undoubtedly greeted in Heaven not only by our Father and his Poppie, but also by his friends Neil and Melissa. Shawn was known to his friends and family as someone who loved and felt deeply, never met a stranger, had a robust sense of humor, and loved his Lord our Father. Shawn was an avid reader, enjoyed being outdoors- whether it was the beach or mountains, taking walks, fishing, golfing, drawing and painting, writing, singing while playing the guitar, was an amazing cook professionally and at home, loved animals, especially his cat Laney, and his dogs Lady, Zion, Summer, and Marli.
Above all, Shawn treasured spending quality time with those he loved. Shawn is remembered as the epitome of a protective, loving, and unwavering big brother by his sisters Beth and Julia, and as his son Seth’s inspiration and hero. If nothing else is remembered about this man, it should be the size of his beautiful heart.
The family wishes to thank the Good Samaritan ICU team and the Denver Hospice Center for their care, compassion, and support of Shawn and his family in their time of need. A celebration of Shawn’s life will be held on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at 3:00 p.m., with a gathering of family and friends beginning at 2 p.m. at the MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME, 91 Willis Street, Westminster, Maryland.
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