Sean David Sarver

“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10
Our darling son, father, brother, nephew, uncle, and cousin, prone to storytelling and fits of laughter, passed away suddenly of a heart attack in Conway, SC, where he had lived for 22 years. Sean David Sarver, born December 23, 1962 in Shelbyville, IL, passed away August 8, 2015, eight years to the day his beloved sister Quinn died. He was a dedicated Christian, and while he struggled with addiction, he was a generous and compassionate man. Described by his dear friend and father figure, Mr. CM Winburn, “Sean would do anything for anyone. If he had something, he would give it to you. When Sean had something, everyone had something.” Sean’s life verse was Isaiah 49:13, “Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for the LORD hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.”
Sean owned his own tree service and was an self-trained, or as grandfather said, “a shade-tree” mechanic who often did work for free for his friends. As a teenager and young man, there was always a car or truck in various states of repair in the driveway or the yard. In his twenties, he had a tree removal business “1-2-Tree.” He loved to climb and when he would find a bird’s nest, he would carefully remove it and place it in another tree.
Sean is survived by his mother Dr. Judy Jones of Mishawaka, IN; daughters Sylvia Star of Rochelle, IL and Morgan Chase of Dixon, IL, son Sean Mason of Deer Grove, IL, and their mother, Michelle (Tim) Sharp; son Seth David of Lawton, OK, stepson Dustin McCormick of Indianapolis, IN, and their mother, Stacey McCormick-Ricksy; sister Sydney (Damian) Beauchamp of Elkhart, IN; uncle Tracy Jones of Galveston, TX; aunts Jean Jones of Savanna, IL, Kay Sarver of Vero Beach, FL, Earline Roberts of Naples, FL, and Marybeth Sarver of Mowequa, IL . Sean is also survived by his nieces Zoey Frost of Burlington, KY; Mackenzie Bontrager of Elkhart, IN; Serena Bethel of Granger, IN; nephew Jordan Bontrager of Elkhart, IN; and brother in law Scott Bethel. Sean is also survived by his cousins Melinda Sarver, Scott Sarver, Jeff Sarver, Alex Sarver, Mike Jones, Mark Jones, Matt Jones, and Maury Jones. Sean is survived by many friends who loved him and who told our family stories of his generosity and great sense of humor. His friend Pastor Norman Johnson of ATC Ministries said “there wasn’t a finer person you could know.” Sean loved the ATC Church School and if he had money or services to donate, he would do so. He was loved by Pastor Norman’s wife and the good people of the church. Sean is also survived by his Brother-in-Christ and dear friend, Mr. CM Winburn of Conway, SC.
He was preceded in death by his father, James D. Sarver; grandparents Mason and June Horsman, Gale and Frances Sarver; uncles Melvin Jones, Morris Sarver, Howard Sarver, Bruce Sarver; brother-in-law Dane Frost; and sister, Quinn Bethel.
In the end, with his mother Judy, and sister Sydney by his side, he transitioned to the peaceful place he longed for in life. “Sing the morningtown song to me, mom…” “Train whistle blowin', Makes a sleepy noise; Underneath their blankets, Go all the girls and boys. Rockin', rollin', ridin', Out along the bay, All bound for Morningtown, Many miles away.” Rest in Peace dearest Sean. You are loved.
A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m. Sunday, October 18, 2015 at the Shelbyville United Methodist Church with a visitation one hour prior. A luncheon will be held at the Church immediately following the service. Private burial of ashes will take place in the Glenwwod Cemetery, Shelbyville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to ATC Christian School, 1672 Hwy 905, Conway, SC 29526. Donations can also be made to the Sean Sarver Scholarship at Salvation Oaks by visiting www.salvationoaks.org or calling 1-864-538-4569.