Shawn Bauer

(From Simpson Funeral Home)

Shawn Lynn Bauer passed unexpectedly on October 6, 2025. He died doing what he loved most, helping a friend while working cows on a farm. Shawn was a big man with a big heart. He rarely knew a stranger and everyone knew Shawn. Shawn also knew God and was baptized several years ago.

In addition to the unconditional love he showed his family and friends, Shawn also loved hot rods, tractor pulling, eating barbeque and making barbeque, indulging in German Chocolate cake and partnering with his niece to defeat his wife and nephew at cards. He also recently restored a 1950 Chevy and developed a fondness for showing it off at car shows. Shawn was an outdoorsman, spending countless hours working cows, spending time with family and friends at deer camp, and bird hunting. Shawn was also well known known as a trader with an eye for a bargain and would barter anything great or small, with his most recent venture as a real estate speculator.

Shawn worked at the Joplin Regional Stockyards almost his entire life, whether it was helping his father as a child, or when he began as a full-time employee at age 15. His official tenure there was 40 plus years.

Shawn was born in Joplin, Missouri and lived his entire life in Southwest Missouri, living in both Webb City and Carterville. He met his wife in Webb City when she moved in across the street from his parents’ house. After spending months convincing her to go out with him, they dated for several years, eloped, and were married in Miami, Oklahoma. At the time of Shawn’s passing they had been married 24 years.

Shawn loved being a grandfather, great grandfather (known as “Pops”), uncle, and great uncle. He was an expert at playing with hot wheels with his great grandson and partnering at cards with his great niece. Shawn is survived by his wife Marsha, a stepson Eric Terry (Karalee), a stepdaughter Marti Terry (Ari), a granddaughter Kayleigh Terry (Dixie), and a great grandson Grayson. Preceding him in death were his father Cecil Bauer, mother Len (Hobbs) Bauer, brother and sister-in-law Dick and Rosalee Bauer, sister and brother-in-law Sue and Jerold Schnake, and nephew David Bauer.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Joplin Humane Society or the charity of your choice.

As we remember Shawn, we invite you to share your memories and photos of him on his memorial page at www.simpsonfh.com. Your stories and pictures will serve as a comforting reminder of the compassionate, loyal, humble, and loving man that was Shawn Bauer. His spirit lives on in the hearts of those he touched, and he will forever be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family and his community. Services are under the direction of Simpson Funeral Home.