Shawn Ryan Cogburn, resident of Walsh, CO, age 25, passed away on June 9th, 2013. He was born in Elkhart, KS on April 12th, 1988, the son of Stephen and Debrah Cogburn. Shawn attended Walsh High School, graduating in 2006, and Colorado State University in Fort Collins where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history in 2010. Upon graduation, he worked for Beegle's Aircraft in Greeley, CO for almost 3 years as parts manager. After that he moved back to Walsh and worked for his father at Custom Applicators.
Shawn was accomplished as an athlete, particularly in wrestling. He wrestled in the state tournament all four years in high school, and received two sixth and one fifth place finish. During college and afterward, Shawn volunteered and worked as a wrestling coach, most recently at Walsh and Springfield High Schools, helping lead the Baca County team to a 3rd place finish in class 2A, and six wrestlers to medals. In addition to wrestling, Shawn enjoyed rodeo. As a youngster, he began riding bulls and roping, and later focused on roping. He was known to spend hours practicing his roping skills on calf dummies, and the feet of those walking around him. During high school, Shawn was involved in many activities, including National Honor Society, Student Council, Knowledge Bowl, and FFA among others. In band, Shawn played percussion, and soon learned to play the drum set. Music became an integral part of the rest of his life, and he enjoyed playing with family members and other bands. He was the driving force behind the family band "Captain Cog and the Over the Ozone Gang," and since his passing has been made the official Captain. He was also a table-tennis enthusiast.
Shawn was an active member at Walsh Baptist Church. He was involved in ministries such as the youth group, children's church, the praise band, and was a high school Bible study co-leader. He also accompanied his peers on mission trip work camps and a mission trip to Russia. He was baptized on May 19, 1996.
He is survived by his parents, Steve and Debbie Cogburn of Walsh, his sister Jen and her boyfriend Diallo House of New York, brother Sam and wife Amanda of Denver; two grandparents, Ogle Cogburn and Calvin Thompson, both of Walsh; girlfriend Bri Essman of Grand Junction; Aunt Marsha and Jerry Moller of Amarillo, TX and their family, Lance and Kristin Moller, Ryan Moller, and Jud and Cory Moller; Aunt Denise and Clarence Jones of Walsh and their family, Heather Stark, Tyler Jones and Carol Morrow, and Monica Jones; Aunt Marla and Moe Houtz of Elkhart, KS and their family, Tai and Brandon Elder, and Skyler Houtz; Uncle Lex and Janice Thompson of Vilas; Uncle Dennis and Gayla Thompson of Vilas and their family, Blaine and Dawn Thompson, Laurel and Jim Phillips, and Quayde Thompson; Aunt Vickie and Bob Clements of Golden, CO and their son Andrew; and in addition to these, a host of other family members and close friends.