Mark Stephen Shahan: A Devoted Lawman and Community Servant

Huntsville, Alabama

Mark Stephen Shahan, a revered and beloved resident of Huntsville, Alabama, peacefully passed away on June 14, 2024, after his valiant struggle with Frontotemporal dementia. Mark’s dedicated service as a devoted son, loving husband, doting father, and grandfather, as well as a stalwart to the community and public servant, will be deeply missed by all.

Life Journey

Born to the Howard Lee Shahan and Lillian Marie (Osborne) Shahan on February 2, 1957, Mark was a pillar of strength to his elder sister Sharon and younger brother Randall. Mark Shahan’s lifelong commitment to a career in law enforcement began in Huntsville, where he was born and bred. He laid solid foundations for his career at Butler High School, the University of Alabama Huntsville, and finally at the Huntsville Police Academy, later dedicating over 40 years of tireless service to law enforcement with the Madison County Sheriff’s Department and Huntsville Police Department.

Mark’s ambitious career journey in law enforcement included patrol duty, motorcycle patrol, bicycle patrol, SWAT team, and bomb team. He capped off his illustrious service by coordinating large-scale events, parades, runs, and funeral processions with the City of Huntsville’s SOD Traffic unit.

Career Achievements

Harboring a deep affection for his community, Mark extended his service out of duty hours and contributed regularly as a devoted volunteer at Panoply – a local festival of the arts. His myriad of accolades include the Community Service award, Supervisor of the Year, and Meritorious Service Awards.

Personal Life

Off-duty, Mark’s personal life was as rich and fulfilling as his career. He had been with his loving wife Susan almost 20 years, after a fateful meeting at a family Thanksgiving dinner in 2004. Not only did Susan extend her love as a wife but also as a caregiver to Mark till his last moments. Together they raised Trent Shahan, Mark’s great-nephew, whom he loved as his own.

An ardent nature lover, Mark found immense joy in life’s simple pleasures. He was known in the circles for his quick wit and gift of useless knowledge. At times, he was an impractical jokester and a dooms-day-prepper, but most cherished his roles of a loving husband, doting father, and faithful servant of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Memorial Service

Sadly, Mark Shahan is preceded in death by his parents, siblings Randall Ray Shahan, and Sharon Lee Kirby. He is survived by his wife, Susan Marie Lovejoy Shahan; great-nephew, Trent Cavan Shahan; and daughter, Megan Ladner along with her husband, Andy Ladner; grandsons Cameron, Jackson, and Landon Ladner; and a host of family and friends.

A celebration of Mark’s exceptional life will be held at Huntsville Park Baptist Church on June 29th. The visitation begins at 1:00 pm, followed by a ceremony at 2:00 pm, presided by Pastor Mylon Metcalf. The church where the ceremony is taking place holds a special place in Mark’s life, as this is where Mark was baptized and married his wife, Susan.

In honoring Mark’s devout service to the community, he will be given Full Honors service at his funeral, fittingly recognizing his decades-long devotion to law enforcement and public service.