Shawn Van Hearn

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 2:00 PM at First Baptist Belton.

Shawn Hearn, age 65, passed away at home on January 10, 2024, surrounded by his family.

Shawn was preceded in death by both parents, Albert and LaVerne Hearn.

Survivors include his wife Sonja Hearn, three daughters- Kelli Jones and husband Jordan, Keri Tatum, and Rylee Hearn; and
seven grandchildren.

Shawn was a Lawman for over 40 years.

Shawn Van Hearn was born May 12, 1958.  Shawn married Sonja Wesley on May 11, 1986.

He served in the United States Air Force as a military police officer. He then served as a Peace Officer for over 40 years within University Park P.D., Fort Worth P.D., Johnson County Sheriff, Killeen ISD P.D. and finally serving here as Corporal at the Bell County Sheriff Department. He achieved the highest certification as a Texas Peace Officer, Master Peace Officer. Shawn was awarded the Texas Lawman of the Year Award in June of 2022 for valiantly saving the life of a 14 day old infant by providing nine minutes of CPR for the infant. His love of being a peace officer was only surpassed by his love for his wife Sonja, his daughters, Kelli, Keri and Rylee, his step-daughter Raychelle and his grandchildren Barrett, Beau, Annabelle, Charlette, Judah, Magnolia, Jace and step-grandchildren Jack, Lucas and Calvin.

Shawn was a man of discipline. Shawn’s love for the Lord was evident to all and he sought to give glory to God in all he did. Daily you would find him reading his bible, on his knees praying, and then heading to the gym to exercise. Shawn was as generous as he was strong. He was selfless and funny. Everyone who Shawn spent time with or worked closely with love him.  He will be remembered with deep love and missed by everyone who knew him.

*We invite you to wear blue with us as we celebrate and honor Shawn’s many years of service in law enforcement.