Jerry Wayne Shadden, 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, August 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Jerry was born on December 3, 1941, in New Home, Texas, to J.W. and Margaret (Owens) Shadden. He was raised in West Texas and was a longtime member of the Abernathy and Idalou communities. He graduated from Idalou High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track, before attending Texas Tech University for one year.

A third-generation farmer and rancher, Jerry devoted his life to agriculture. A true cowboy at heart, he was raised in the saddle and developed a reputation for training horses for fellow ranchers. His love for the land, livestock, and the agricultural way of life defined much of who he was. John Wayne was his lifelong hero, and Jerry embodied many of the qualities he admired—strength, grit, integrity, and quiet determination.

More than anything, Jerry's faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of his life. At the age of 20, he recommitted his life to Christ, a decision that shaped every chapter that followed. His faith was steadfast, anchored, and evident in the way he lived and treated others. He openly professed Jesus Christ as his Savior and served as an impartial example of Christian character. Many have said that Jerry helped shape younger generations by mentoring them to become not only better farmers and ranchers but also men of God.

In his mid-thirties, Jerry answered God's call by moving with his three young children to Colombia, South America, on an agricultural visa. During the five years he lived there, he ministered to those around him while teaching agricultural practices, cattle raising, and ranching to local families. His investment in the lives of others extended far beyond farming. When he returned to the United States, Jerry selflessly left behind everything he had built, giving it to the families he had mentored so they could continue providing for themselves.

Jerry's legacy is one of faith, generosity, hard work, and servant leadership. Whether on horseback, in the fields, or alongside someone seeking guidance, he lived with purpose and left an enduring impact on everyone blessed to know him.

He is survived by his three children: Jeff Shadden and wife Carmen, Mark Shadden and wife Mella, and Traci Shadden, all of Lubbock; nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and his dear friend and former wife, Faye (James) McNeice.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Sandra Nichols Bryan Shadden.

A memorial visitation where the family will receive friends is scheduled on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 pm at Venue on Broadway, 2202 Broadway.

Jerry will be remembered as a faithful follower of Christ, a devoted farmer and rancher, a true cowboy, a loving father and grandfather, and a man whose life reflected the values he held dear. His influence lives on in the family he loved, the people he mentored, and the faith he faithfully shared.