(Montpelier Resident; Accomplished Drag Racer)
Kenneth “Ken” G. Shawver, age 81, of Montpelier, Ohio passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, March 17, 2026, at Majestic Healthcare of Bryan surrounded by his family.
He was born March 26, 1944, in Defiance, Ohio to the late William Bryan and Helen Gertrude (Porter) Shawver.
He was a graduate of Paulding High School. He married Polly Jean Bowers on Nov. 16, 2002 and she survives. Ken was a mechanic his entire life.
He owned and operated Defiance Transmission from 1978 until 2022. Ken enjoyed drag racing and racing sports. In the course of his 48-year drag racing career, he won the NHRA US Nationals in 1988. He also enjoyed time spent with his family.
Survivors include his loving wife, Polly; his children, Billy (Jeane), Becky (Sheldon); stepchildren, Amy (Andy), Bill (Haley); his grandchildren, Cassie (Ron), Kenny (Destiny), Andrew, Anna “Ainsley”, Drew, Devin, Chloe, Kate, Ella; his great-grandchildren, Wynnie Jeane, Kaylynn, Autumn and Phillip; his sister, Gloria (Harry) Miller; his brother, Larry (Barbara) Shawver. Numerous nieces and nephews.
Ken is preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Sally Cairns in 2020, his son-in-law, Mike Cairns in 2016.
Ken’s celebration of his life will be held in the future.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Racers for Christ c/o teamrfc.org or the Williams County or Defiance County Humane Society.
Online condolences and the guest register may be given and signed at www.krillfuneralservice.com.
Krill Funeral Home, Bryan, Ohio is honored to serve the Shawver family.
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