Cover photo for Shawn Spakes's Obituary

Shawn Spakes

March 24, 1964 — June 17, 2021

Shawn Spakes

Windell “Shawn” Spakes, 57, a long time resident of Beebe, Arkansas went to be with the Lord June 17, 2021, surrounded by his family.   A native of Pine Bluff, he was born March 24, 1964 to the late Charles Spakes and to Bertie (Kimbrell) Pickles (Steve).   He is also preceded in death by his grandparents Monroe and Pearl Kimbrell of Woodlawn and JC and Lois Spakes of Pine Bluff.

Shawn is survived by his wife Donna, his son Charlie and wife Krista, grandchildren Riley and Sloane, and son Hunter and wife Kelsey. He is also survived by stepson Larry and wife Becky, grandchildren Tyler and Caleb, stepson Justin and wife Rebekah, grandson Colton and stepson Cory, grandson Grayson and bonus daughter Katelyn.

He was a member of Friendship Baptist Church and made a profession of his faith as a young man, which was evident in the life he lived.

Growing up Shawn loved his orange dragracer car “The Pumpkin”, waterskiing and flying; Shawn took his solo flight on his 16th birthday.  He loved to have fun, but also valued hard work. Shawn was taught a stellar work ethic as a young man. His dad bought him a new black 1981 Camaro Z28 when he turned 16, but made him work at his gas station and construction company as a roofer to learn the pride of earning your own way in life.

Shawn was a graduate of Pine Bluff High School and attended college at Hendrix University in Conway, Arkansas. He worked at Robbins Engineering for 16 years as a Structural Designer. He loved pointing out buildings he had designed and explaining the process behind it.

An avid hunter, he mostly loved to duck and turkey hunt, but his favorite part was teaching and sharing his love of hunting with kids, starting with his sons and then his grandchildren. Shawn always put people first. Though he loved turkey hunting, his all time favorite turkey experience was not killing a turkey himself, but calling in a turkey for his sons, grandchildren or wife. He truly was a selfless man that got joy from other peoples joy.

He spent his free time entertaining grandchildren and taking hunting trips with his wife and sons. Shawn was always there to help relatives and friends with household projects, or whatever else people needed him for.  Shawn had more friends than you can count and the reason is because he was kind and loyal.  Like one of his friends said “Shawn was definitely one of the good guys.”

His friends and family are left with wonderful memories of Razorback games, tailgating, float trips to the Buffalo, hunting around the world and at home, and Ducks Unlimited Banquets. Shawn, along with a good friend, helped start the DU Chapter in Beebe many years ago.

Shawn shared his love and knowledge of Barbecue with his sons. He was infamous for his bbq quesadillas, that like his legacy, will live on forever. His most satisfying home project was building a bridge to the Island on the lake in his back yard.

Pallbearers will be Chad Selman. Ryan Crew, Hunter Orman, Cayne Orman, and Jason Smith.  Honorary Pallbearers are Mike Tiner and Shawn Patterson.     A Celebration of Shawn’s life will be held on Monday, June 21, 2021 at Smith Westbrook Funeral Home of Beebe, Arkansas, with friend Mark Cothren officiating. (Mark also officiated the wedding of Shawn and Donna.) Visitation will be held at 1:30 pm followed by a service at 2:30 pm.  Burial will follow immediately at  Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Shawn Spakes, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Monday, June 21, 2021

1:30 - 2:30 pm

Smith - Westbrook Funeral Home

404 W Dewitt Henry Dr, Beebe, AR 72012

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Funeral Service

Monday, June 21, 2021

Starts at 2:30 pm

Smith - Westbrook Funeral Home

404 W Dewitt Henry Dr, Beebe, AR 72012

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Burial

Monday, June 21, 2021

Starts at 3:30 pm

Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens

404 W Dewitt Henry Dr, Beebe, AR 72012

Enter your phone number above to have directions sent via text. Standard text messaging rates apply.

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