Shawn Gabriel O’Rear
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Shawn Gabriel O’Rear passed away peacefully on August 6th, 2026. Shawn was born on March 26th, 1962, in Mount Carmel, Illinois to parents Selby and Sue Zanne O’Rear (Gabriel).
Growing up, his family moved almost yearly because of his father’s job, so Shawn spent his childhood traversing the country – from California to Ohio to Texas. He spoke fondly of adventurous days spent in the California hills and of snow-filled days playing outside with friends in Ohio. Between moves, he often found himself in Missouri visiting his grandparents. It was these family ties that would eventually lead him to put down roots there later in life.
A couple of years after high school, Shawn enlisted in the Air Force. He was extremely proud of his service to his country. He was awarded the Air Force Medal of Achievement, as well as numerous other medals and ribbons. He was able to travel the world during his time stationed in Germany in the 1980s and made lifelong friends in the process.
After living near Atlanta, Georgia for a decade, he moved to Raytown to help his grandparents and eventually purchased their house. He worked tirelessly on improving and beautifying it up until a few months before his passing. The amount of elbow grease he poured into putting his own stamp on the property was incredible.
From 2005 until his cancer diagnosis in 2026, he worked as an early morning stocker at Costco. He loved his job and always joked that he didn’t need a gym membership because he got enough of a workout there!
He was also very environmentally conscious. He understood that a clean environment lifts the spirit and promotes positivity. Whether it was a park or a parking lot, he didn’t hesitate to do his part to leave it cleaner than he found it.
Shawn described himself as a simple man. The act of quietly sitting in the backyard with birdsong in the background and his dog at his feet fed his soul. He loved music – both playing the guitar and listening to a wide variety of musical genres. He had an artist’s heart and would often paint, draw or write to express himself. As of late, he had begun to create videos online, giving life to the many storylines in his mind. He was a true original.
He was preceded in death by his father, Selby. He is survived by his life partner, Laurie Gronskei; his mother and stepfather Sue Zanne and Bill Stone; his brothers Greg (Stacie) O’Rear and Casey (Courtney) O’Rear; his sister Megan (Victoria) O’Rear; as well as numerous extended family members.
Shawn’s far too early passing has left a hole that can never be filled. He will be deeply missed and forever loved. A private service will be held for the immediate family. Memorial contributions may be directed to KC Paws www.kcpaws.org/donate – a no-kill shelter which is currently building a new facility in Raytown.
We’re sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
A very good man, gone far too soon.
I worked with Shawn at Costco for almost 15 years. He was the kindest soul I ever met. He will truly be missed. Rest in painless peace my friend💜
We’re so very sorry for your immense loss…
Holding your hearts, our friends…
Positive, healing, loving thoughts your way….
Dear Sue Zanne,
I can’t even imagine what you are going through right now. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family!
I know there is nothing anybody can say to help with the pain! We just have to believe that god has a plan!
Elli VanDeMark
I have known Shawn for over 30 years. We worked together at Home Depot in Georgia. So many memories i have with my dear friend. I bought my 1st motorcycle at Earl Smalls HD on a Friday and the 1st place i rode it to was Shawn’s house. I moved to Alabama and lost contact (briefly-Life) but quickly reestablished contact. We would talk on the phone for quite a while at times (laughing, reminiscing etc.). We went on a trip together to visit friends in Germany. It was an ABSOLUTE life memory. Words cannot express how sad i am. I love and miss my dear friend and will ALWAYS cherish the memories. To all his family i want to tell you how much your son, brother, life partner made an impact on my 57 year old life. I am without question a better person for knowing Shawn. Thank You Shawn!!!
I only knew Shawn for a short time, about two years. We worked together often at the Independence Costco. We had spoken to each other just before his leave from due to his illness. We had promised to to get together and show our artwork to each other. I have missed him a lot. Shawn was a great co-worker and a fine person. May God give peace and comfort to Shawn’s family and friends.
Laurie and the O’Rear family.
I am sad to hear of Shawn’s untimely passing. Shawn was a very kind man and a great neighbor.
As a boy when he spent time with his grandparents in the summer, I actually babysat him. Years later when I returned to my family home he became my neighbor. I send my sincere condolences to his family and Laurie. May you all find peace knowing his suffering has ended.
I am so shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Shawn. My sincerest and deepest condolences to his family and life partner. May you all find peace, comfort and healing from his loss. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.