Sgt. S. Lay

His end of watch on Earth occurred on June 7th, thus began his over watch in heaven.

Sargent Shawn Lay was born May 30th, 1974 to Mark and Mary "Cameron" (Cecil) Lay. He grew up in San Berndino, California and moved to Topeka, Kansas in 1993 where he began a new journey.

In 2010 he attended Advanced Individual Training to become a UH-60 Black Hawk Maintainer. While in training he and Denea fell in love over the phone. They joined souls August 9th 2011.

Shawn enjoyed spending time with his family. Being with his grandchildren brought him great joy. Shawn loved to read fictional and suspenseful books, and watch action movies. Shawn's greatest qualities included being an amazing protector, provider, and always wanting to fix things for everyone. Shawn never knew a stranger, and he was a compassionate listener. His smile and laugh were contagious and drew you in. He was driven about making everyone around him better, while remaining humble about his own capabilities. Shawn's other passions included his truck and Harley Davidson.

Some of his proudest achievements included serving his country and wearing the uniform. He was a dedicated and professional corrections officer at TCF while also working part time at Stormont Vail as a security guard.

Shawn's education included attending high school in San Berndino, CA. He also received a certificate from Wasburn Tech in machine/tools technology in 2009. On June 18th, of 1997 Shawn joined the Kansas Army National Guard in the field artillery. He deployed twice with the 1/108th AVN BN to the Middle East, most recently returning home in May of 2019. Shawn held many additional duties within the ARNG, to include combat live saver, and D Co Fire Safety NCO. Shawn's other careers include Good Year Tire and Rubber, Kwik Shop, and Advanced Auto.

He is survived by: his Wife Denea Lay, Father Marc Lay, Step-mother Patricia Lay, his daughters, Nicole Domagalski, Caitlin (Derek) Willcut, Breanna Lay, Jessica (Blake) Bishop and Kaela Valdivia; sons, Austin Warken- Brake and Kamren Brake; grandchildren, Casey, Kayleigh, Izaiah, Hunter, Logan, Braxton, Aylah and Kayden; brother, William (Lisa Spain- Adkins) Adkins; sister, Cherie (Matthew) Mauldin; step-sisters, Stephanie Bush and Brandi Schufelberger; father- in- law, Ronald Dial; his nieces and nephews; and his best friend Dave and Melissa Anderson. Shawn was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lay, and his mother in law, Frankie Hulsopple.

The family will receive friends during a visitation from 12:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., on Sunday, June 14, 2020 at the Penwell- Gabel Chapel, 1321 SW 10th Ave, Topeka, Kansas.

A Funeral Ceremony with military honors will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 15, 2020 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mission 22, 17040 Pilkington Rd, Suite 200 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 or Text the word "give" or "donate" to (615) 645-2451; Patriot Guard, 6641 E. 85th Street North, Owasso, OK 74055; VFW Philip Billard Post 1650 3110 SW Huntoon St #1663.

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