Shawn Marie (Horton) Eckel, a resident of South Branch, MI, passed away on August 17th, 2024, in Tawas City, MI. She was born on August 19th, 1981, in Saginaw, MI. After graduating from Hale High School in 2000, when she joined the United States Navy. She advanced to the rank of FC3 as a Sonar Technician and Fire Control Technician while stationed in Norfolk, VA. Shawn married William Eckel on June 1st, 2004. Together, they raised their family until his passing in 2014.

Shawn was a great mom and had a big heart. After her military career, she spent her days raising and caring for her family. She was witty, a great storyteller, loved puns, and was the life of the party. Shawn was outgoing by nature, determined, and refused to grow old. She enjoyed reading, crocheting, fishing and collecting Coca Cola memorabilia. She liked going on long drives but was also a “closeted” speed racer. Shawn was always running late and a bit eccentric at times, which just endeared her even more to her family and friends. She was known for being the “grammar police” and wouldn’t hesitate to share her opinion. She was proud of her military service, owning the Nauti Fowl Farm and of course being a mom.

Shawn is survived by her parents, Ted and Doris Horton; children, Christian Kelly of Hale, Kalista Nickole (Joey Sexton) of Princeton, WV, Ashleigh Marie of Hale, Jonathan Eugene Eckel of Hale; brothers, Ted Horton Jr., of Hale, Greg Horton of Otter Lake, Gerald Horton of Hale, Eric (Mandy) Horton of West Palm, FL; sister, Dawn (Dan) Redman of Mayville; brother in law, Edward Rankin of Virginia.

In addition to her husband Will, she is preceded in death by her brother Dennis; grandparents, Margie and Lester Coon; and her Aunt Margaret.

The family will welcome friends to a time of visitation at Buresh Funeral Home in Hale, MI on Monday, August 26th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. At the completion of the visitation Military Honors will be presented. A luncheon will be served at the Hale American Legion immediately after Military Honors.