Shawn Ross Madsen

Shawn Ross Madsen 41, died suddenly November 9, 2018 in Wichita, Kansas, while at work. He was born October 23, 1977, in Wichita to Daniel Ross Madsen and Maxine J. Madsen, ne Finch. Both survive. Other survivors include wife, Heather M. Madsen, ne Tedder; sons, Daniel Ross Madsen II and Albert Bryan Madsen; daughters, Maggie Lynn Madsen and Olivia Maxine Madsen all in Wichita, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins, and his best friend, Jimmy Clevenstine, whom he "adopted" as his brother. He was preceded in death by his Grandpa Harold A. Finch; his Granny Mary "Audine" Finch, ne Austin; his Grandma Charlene Marie Madsen, ne Ross; his much beloved cousins, Joya Diane Willits and Jed Alan Willits. In early years he was active in Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorer Scouts. Before joining Explorers, he volunteered in the summer in the Emergency Department at the former Riverside Hospital in Wichita, where as a result of the work he did there, was awarded the hospitals STAR employee award, normally awarded exclusively to full time employees. He was the youngest recipient and the only volunteer to receive the award. In high school, Shawn played percussion with Northwest High Schools marching band. He loved an eclectic variety of music from country to opera to hard rock. His favorite band was Metallica. His all-time favorite video was the 1959 movie, "The Music Man". Following graduation in 1996 from Wichitas Northwest High School, Shawn worked in various industries, most recently for Heartland Coca Cola in delivery and installation. He also moonlighted weekends in security at Club Rodeo, which he regarded as his "fun" job. Shawn was a deeply devoted family man. His kids were everything to him. He loved spending time with them doing just about anything, playing video games, helping with homework, encouraging them to read books, or even just hanging out with them at home or at the park. His children were his life. He loved them dearly, and his passing will leave a big hole in their lives. He loved cooking, especially grilling and creating his own blends of grill spices. Those who knew Shawn knew that this big burly guy could go from stacking case after case of product at work, to "encouraging" unruly patrons at the club to behave properly, to coaching his sons soccer team, to painting his young daughters finger nails and putting their hair up in "ponies". He was a big, huggable, loveable man who was known by so many for his warm bear hugs. He was a brother to many, both male and female. When Shawn said he had your back, or "your six", you could count on it. He had a one-of-a-kind sense of humor and a big heart-melting smile. Shawns life was cut too short, and the many people who loved him will miss him. Memorial donations to Edward Jones & Company, Attn: Madsen Childrens College Fund, 8625 E. 37th St. N., Suite 301, Wichita, KS 67226