Shawn, age 35, of Des Moines, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, September 26, 2018 at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. Visitation with the family will begin at 5 p.m. and conclude with a Rosary Service at 7 p.m. on Monday, October 1st at O’Leary Funeral Services in Norwalk. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, October 2nd at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church in Norwalk.
A luncheon for those attending Mass will immediately follow in the fellowship hall at the church. A private family burial will take place at a later time. To sign his on-line guestbook and to send flowers (using O’Leary’s Flowers in Norwalk) click the “send tributes/flowers” tab or call the flower shop at (515) 981-0700.
Shawn’s Life Story Shawn Thomas, the oldest of three siblings, protector of his sister Heidi and partner in crime with his brother, Ryan was born on November 3, 1982 to Rex and Gayle (nee: Drees) Mitchell in Carroll, Iowa. He lived in Carroll with his extended family for three years, before the family moved to the Phoenix, AZ metro region. He attended school there until the family returned to Iowa in 1993.
Shawn was a graduate of Valley High School in West Des Moines with the Class of 2001. After graduation he enlisted in the United States Marine Reservist, with his best friend Josh Little. Most of his working years were spent as a carpenter working, alongside his father Rex at Van Dam Construction specializing in custom and residential homes.
Shawn loved to poke fun at his co-workers and took pride at making them smile. He owned a home, that he shared with his brother Ryan, in the Drake neighborhood area of Des Moines. He often helped his parents with construction projects at their home.
Shawn enjoyed long discussion with his nephew, Aiden, regarding dinosaurs, playing video games and Nerf wars. His nieces, Cameron and Grayson, took pleasure in teasing Shawn and stealing his candy. They all three scolded him for his bad habits.
Shawn was a kind-hearted man and took in many strays (friends) to live in his home over the years. He will be missed daily, especially when there are thunderstorms; during which he would call his mother to watch the “light show”. Shawn is survived by his loving parents, Rex and Gayle Mitchell of Prole; his sister and brother-in-law, Heidi and Mitchell Curtis and their children, Aiden, Cameron, and Grayson of Indianola; a brother, Ryan Mitchell of Des Moines; his maternal grandparents, Donald and Jane (nee: Ortner) Drees; and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and good friends.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, James and Terri (nee: Schrick) Mitchell; and Aunt Shantelle Mitchell.
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