Mary Lou Shawen Spradlin

After a short and intense bout with cancer, my Mother passed away earlier this week. Mary Lou Bryant, Shawen, or Spradlin, depending on when or how you knew her, was born in Nürnberg, Germany in 1948 to a 17-year-old fräulein named Anneliese and her United States serviceman boyfriend William. Shortly thereafter, my Grandparents made the move to the United States and my Mom grew up in Kettering, Ohio. Being half German and growing up in the US in the 50’s & 60’s, as you can imagine, was a challenge. After graduating from Fairmont East in 1966, my Mom would go on to work at Wright Patterson Air Force Base and later the Mead Corporation. My Mom wanted a child more than anything but it was easier said than done. She miscarried twice and that was crushing for her. In spite of that, she decided to try a third and final time with my father, Larry Spradlin. I was due on my Mom’s Birthday (January 30) so just imagine how terrified she was as she awoke on Christmas Eve, blood everywhere, unable to feel me even budge. A few hours later at Miami Valley Hospital William Christopher Spradlin was born. My Mom would always mention how her newborn baby boy, one month premature, 6 lbs. 7oz., made it out of the hospital before she did. She decided then & there to do her very best to give me a better life than she’d had. She would try her damndest to give me anything I ever wanted. I was an only child born on Christmas Eve and my Mom was determined to spoil me. 

Memories from my childhood are jam packed with adventures with my Mom. We always had so much fun together. Anything I became interested in, she took an interest in. Comic Books. Sports Cards. Video Games. Basketball (more specifically Duke Basketball). And yes, of course, Pro Wrestling. My Mom took me to so many shows at Hara Arena (and later the Nutter Center) that I lost count. I remember trips to Wilkie’s and Waldenbooks to find wrestling magazines. I remember journeys to Children’s Palace and Toys R Us to look for LJNs & Hasbros. I remember Traders World, countless other flea markets and garage sales where we would scour through bins for back issues & miscellaneous toys. It wasn’t just about taking me places & buying me stuff though. My Mom & I just spent so much time together driving here & there laughing & listening to music. We always had SO much fun. Mom always encouraged me and when I decided to try to become a wrestler myself, no matter how outlandish of an idea it was, she supported me 110%. She loved me and ALWAYS let me know how proud she was of me (whether I deserved it or not). My biggest fan and most devoted hype man, Mom took great pleasure in embarrassing me publicly wherever we went. I would cringe and daydream about disappearing inside of my own skin with each brag & boast but I knew it only came from a place of pride, love and admiration. 

My Mom loved reading. She loved TV shows, movies, documentaries. She loved sci-fi (she adored Star Wars), horror and fantasy. She loved nature. Above all else, though, my Mom LOVED animals. She had dogs all throughout her life, a couple cats here and there. She used to work with horses and in her later years she would donate her money and time to wolf conservation. I fondly remember her taking me to the Cincinnati Zoo, teaching me all about the animals. Our phone calls usually ended with her saying “give Miss Susan a kiss for me” (Susan being the first of our 3 beautiful feline rescues along with Diana & Geno).

The last couple years had been extremely difficult for my Mom. Between personal loss, the rapid deterioration of her health & suffocating depression, each day seemed harder than the last. If I’m able to take any comfort in her passing, it’s that her pain is gone. I’m not a particularly spiritual person but I find solace in the idea of an afterlife where my Mom is reunited with all of her beloved pets. She can watch whatever she wants, listen to whatever she wants, go anywhere and see anything she pleases, and yes maybe she can even have a seat with my very difficult father and talk through some things that she didn’t quite have the courage to when he passed nearly 20 years ago. 

I’m thankful for so many people that have made things even 1% easier for both my Mom and myself. Nurses, aides, social workers. My friends Andy and Christiane who’ve opened up their home to me SO many times in the last few years when I’ve had to zoom back to Dayton with little to no notice (not to mention adopting and rejuvenating Mom’s senior chihuahua Ms. Chula Diaz). My Mom’s tenant Lonnie who made sure she had her prescriptions & groceries when she couldn’t get them herself. My boss TK along with my friends and co-workers at AEW for their support, care and understanding. My loves Rachael, Susan, Diana and Geno- our little family has kept me safe and sane throughout maybe the most difficult time of my life. I’ve closed myself off from some friends as of late. Please don’t take it personally. I’ve just been processing it all. I love & appreciate you all. 

I’m sad because I can’t ask my Mom any more questions. I’m sad that she and I can’t make any new memories. And, of course, I’m sad that there are certain regrets now that I’ll always have. 

I’m happy because I was able to spend some extra time with her these last few months. I’m happy that her suffering has come to a close. I’m happy that she always made sure to let me know that she loved me and was proud of me.

Mom. I’m really going to miss you. You gave me more love and support than I could handle. I’ll do my best to share that love and support with others. Thank you for everything. I love you.

-Chris

No services will be held at this time.

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