Shawn Patrick Calaway, 47, of McAlester, passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at OSU Medical Center in Tulsa.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15 at 2pm at First United Methodist Church in McAlester.

Shawn Patrick Calaway was born on April 7, 1977, in Oklahoma City, the son of Norman Hardy Calaway and Nancy Kathleen McGuffee.  Shawn grew up in Oklahoma City and Chickasha and graduated from Chickasha High School with the class of 1995.  He attended the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma and the University of Oklahoma, where he earned a bachelor's degree in journalism.  While in Norman, he met his future wife, Amanda Winn.  Together, they moved to Tulsa, where Shawn began his teaching career teaching English as a Second Language.  He soon moved to Nathan Hale High School, where he taught Sophomore English.  Shawn and Amanda married on November 21, 2008, in Tulsa. They enjoyed many wonderful years in Tulsa before moving to McAlester in 2013, where Shawn accepted a position of Senior English teacher with McAlester Public Schools.  Shawn and Amanda had two children, Caroline (14) and Cameron (8).  Shawn was a devoted father, and he loved supporting his kids in their various activities.  He always encouraged them to be themselves and to look for the good in everyone.  Shawn loved history and was extremely interested in world events.  He enjoyed kayaking and seeing live music.  Shawn and Amanda travelled all over the country to concerts, often with friends, seeing some bands numerous times.  He was a big fan of OU Athletics and Thunder Basketball.  Relaxation time meant reading a good book, chatting with friends, or listening to a wide range of music.  He had become a record collector in recent years.  Shawn's absolute favorite place to be was at home with his wife and kids doing the things that he enjoyed.  Shawn had the biggest heart and was deeply committed to helping others.  His greatest reward was feeling like he had made a difference in someone's life. His students were very important to him.  He always said that he interspersed English lessons with life lessons, which he felt were equally, if not more, important.

Shawn is survived by his wife, Amanda Kathryn Winn Calaway, of the home; his children, Caroline Kathryn Calaway and Cameron Albert Calaway; his mother, Nancy McGuffee and her partner, Daniel McGuire of Piedmont; his brother, Patrick Calaway, of Fayetteville, Arkansas; his in-laws, Allen and Kathy Wadsworth and Marty and Debra Winn; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

He is predeceased by his father, Norman Hardy Calaway; his grandparents, Don McGuffee, Jack Cary, Catherine Cary, Calvin Calaway, and Dimple Calaway; his great-grandmother, Margie Fightmaster; and grandparents-in-law, Earl and Doris Albert.

Shawn will be greatly missed by all who knew him.  His passing has left a void in our lives that will never be filled.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to either Shared Blessings or another charity of your choice.  More importantly, do something kind for someone in need.