Shaun McClurken

Shaun McClurken was a family man through and through. He loved to devote his time and resources to those he loved as well as help anyone in need. Shaun treated all people with kindness and was accepting of people from all walks of life. Nothing made him happier than to share in the success of others and surround himself with friends and family. Gone too soon, he leaves a rich collection of many happy memories to be cherished by all who knew and loved him.

Shaun’s story begins in the year 1979. The quiz game, Trivial Pursuit, was gaining in popularity. Michael Jackson had just released his album, Off the Wall, and the Sony Walkman was a worldwide success! During a promising time in our nation’s history, Tim and Cheryl McClurken welcomed home their newborn baby boy, Shaun Patrick, on July 2nd in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His birth brought them great joy during an optimistic time in our nation’s history.

Growing up in the small town of Lamont on Leonard Street, Shaun lived a typical childhood of boys his age. He loved spending time outdoors exploring nature, turning over rocks, navigating the woods, and finding his fair share of mischief with his siblings; Yolonda, Timothy, and Tricia. He rode his bike all around town and enjoyed taking apart electronics and putting them back together. Shaun had the energy of always being on the go and kept himself active until nightfall.

As a teen, he took his first job at the local Sam’s Joint and saved up to buy his first car, a 1985 Thunderbird. He attended Coopersville Public Schools through 11th grade before graduating from Allendale High School in 2000. By September 11, 2000, he and his brother Tim enlisted in the service on the Buddy System. Shaun thrived in basic training and was a proud Marine! Sadly, he suffered a series of medical setbacks that resulted in an early discharge. He was later diagnosed with epilepsy.

Shaun’s ambitious drive landed him at New Horizons Technological School for IT training. Studying computers and machinery was a perfect match for him and he later owned his own IT business. Later, he worked for different manufacturing companies and used his business to supplement his income. Wherever he landed, Shaun was always admired by his co-workers. He had a special knack for relating to people and taking all things in stride. Currently, he was employed at Boyd Grand Rapids in Kentwood as a machine operator.

Shaun had many special interests throughout his life. For a short period, he moved to Frankford, Ontario where his mother had relocated. The move provided him the opportunity to build connections with his step-family and also fish the Trent River. He was knowledgeable on a wide variety of topics. He gave credit to the years that he and his brother used to read the entire Encyclopedia set their uncle had gifted them! Having researched several topics, he was easy to talk to on just about anything! A special interest was his fascination with space travel and Astronomy. He loved to study the nighttime sky and was signed up to be on the first transport to Mars!

Shaun loved music. Classic rock, country, jazz, and even symphonic band music were his favorites. He started playing the trumpet in fifth grade and continued to excel into his adult years playing with the Coopersville Community Concert Band.

Shaun also loved to cook and experimented with new recipes or mixing flavors to create something of his own! Exceptional with his craft, most of the time, each dish was a hit! Above all else, he loved being an uncle. Shaun enjoyed attending his niece’s and nephew’s special events and was always there to listen to their current accomplishments or challenges. He was genuinely interested in following their lives and sharing time with each of them.

Selfless, compassionate, and kind, Shaun left a legacy of being authentic and generous with everyone he met. His infectious smile and his goofy and playful side will be sincerely missed. Whenever he was around there was sure to be laughter! There is no doubt that he held a special love in his heart for his family. May Shaun’s memories live on in the hearts and stories of his many special friends and family forevermore.

Shaun Patrick McClurken, age 44, servant of Christ, was welcomed home into the arms of his Savior as a result of a car accident on September 30, 2023. Shaun loved serving others, his continuous joy was evident as his smile was seen and his actions and thoughts were always about others. He was born July 2, 1979 in Grand Rapids. Shaun was a free spirit who filled his life with kindness, compassion, and generosity towards others. His passion was for music and his family as well as being an uncle was his greatest joy. He will be greatly missed by all whom he touched.

Shaun is survived by his parents, Cheryl (Mike) Larin, and Timothy (Karen) McClurken; siblings, Yolonda McClurken, Timothy (Jena) McClurken, Tricia Chupp (Ryan O’Hearn), Jasmine Larin, Misha Larin, Joseph Larin; nieces and nephews, Brendon Graham, MaKailah Chupp, Nathan Graham, Caitlyn Chupp, Joycelyn McClurken, Melaina McClurken; several aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Doyle “Jack” and Sandy Harper, Evelyn Woods, James and Joanne McClurken; step-mother, Christine McClurken, aunt and uncle, Noralee Baker and Brian McClurken. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at 11 AM at Grand Valley Baptist Church, 3186 River Hill Drive. Friends may visit with his family Friday from 4-8 PM at Heritage Life Story Funeral Homes, Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW, and beginning at 10 AM at the church. The interment will be in Rosedale Memorial Park. To leave a memory or condolence please visit www.heritagelifestory.com.