Shawn was born on March 26, 1974 in Artesia, NM, to Cheryl and Richard Matlock. He received a Bachelor's degree from Texas Tech in 1997 and a Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming in Laramie in 2001. He was a criminal defense attorney in Ft. Worth, TX. He was published several times in Law Review. Shawn enjoyed fly fishing, backpacking, mountain climbing, sports and his dogs.Shawn's pride and joy was his son Thatcher whom he adopted from Russia in 2006. They had an awesome father and son relationship. Shawn became a follower of Jesus Christ in the fourth grade and was baptized at First Baptist Church in Lovington, NM. Shawn showed and taught Thatcher the importance of being a follower of Jesus Christ.He is survived by his son, Thatcher Matlock; parents, Cheryl and Richard Matlock; sister, Lindsay Matlock; and grandmother, Nell Matlock Clay.He is preceded in death by grandfather, Joe Matlock; grandfather, Lewie Akin; and grandmother, Virginia Akin.The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00pm, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, July 28, 2016 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Chapel in Midland.In lieu of flowers memorials may be donated to Buckner Children's Home.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.,