Shaun D. Edgerton, age 64 of Elkhart, Indiana passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 9, 2026, following an extended illness. Shaun lived life on his own terms, and his passing was no exception. In accordance with his wishes, he spent his final hours in the familiar comfort of his Elkhart home surrounded by the people he cherished most.

Born in Elkhart, Indiana on March 5, 1962, Shaun was the only child born to the union of James Edgerton who preceded him in death, and Gloria “Christine” (Hansborough) Edgerton. He was educated in the Elkhart Community School system. A proud member of Elkhart Central’s Class of 1980, Shaun excelled both academically and athletically. Whether competing in wrestling, football, or track and field, he approached each sport with enthusiasm and determination that inspired those around him. Shaun attended the prestigious HBCU Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he double-majored in chemistry and psychology, played football, and was a member of the track and field team. His academic years led to the forging of many lifelong friendships. Although his education could have opened doors anywhere, Shaun chose to return to his roots in Elkhart to build his life and career.

In 2002, Shaun married his best friend, Erin (Kline) Edgerton. Together, they welcomed their daughter, Brookelyn Edgerton, of whom he was immensely proud. Preceding him in death were their infant twin sons, Blake and Chase Edgerton, whose memories remained forever close to his heart.

Shaun was a lifelong sports enthusiast and devoted supporter of Notre Dame Fighting Irish athletics and the Raiders franchise through every chapter of its journey, from Oakland to Las Vegas. He enjoyed staying active in the gym, traveling—especially to Mexico—reading, watching movies, and gathering family and friends for cookouts featuring his famous ribs. Equally memorable was Shaun’s sense of humor. His wonderfully expressive face often spoke volumes before he uttered a word, whether he was teasing a friend, sharing a perfectly timed joke, or flashing one of the unmistakable looks that those who loved him came to know so well. Even during life’s most difficult moments, he had a remarkable ability to lighten the mood and bring smiles to those around him.

Shaun shared his love of sports by devoting more than 25 years to coaching and mentoring young athletes at the former Elkhart Central High School, where he coached football, wrestling, and track and field. The lessons he taught were far beyond athletics, and many former athletes remember him not only as a coach, but as someone who believed in them long before they believed in themselves.

Retired Chief Shaun D. Edgerton began his professional journey with the Elkhart Fire Department on May 26, 1987, and his career would soon reflect both his willingness to embrace change and his commitment to excellence. Throughout his distinguished career, Shaun embraced every opportunity to grow and lead. He became the first firefighter in department history required to earn an EMT certification before advancing to First Class Firefighter. Shaun later made history again as the first black paramedic in Elkhart County, quietly paving the way for those who followed.

Over nearly four decades, Shaun served his community as a firefighter, EMT, paramedic, pump engineer, hazardous materials team member, assistant fire chief, inspector/investigator, and fire chief. He also proudly served as president of IAFF Local 338, advocating for his fellow firefighters as a union leader and earning the trust of those he represented. His influence reached well beyond emergency calls and fire stations. He mentored generations of firefighters, helped shape the future of the department, and earned the admiration of colleagues across the public safety community. His legacy is reflected not only in the positions he held, but in the people whose lives he touched. No matter how demanding his career became, he always believed that the uniform came off at the end of the day. If you asked Shaun how he wished to be remembered, he likely would have shrugged off the titles.

Shaun retired on October 14, 2016. Retirement, however, proved to be only another chapter in a life dedicated to serving others. In 2020, Mayor Rod Roberson appointed Shaun as fire chief of the Elkhart Fire Department, bringing him back to lead thedepartment to which he had dedicated so much of his life. He served in that role through December 31, 2023.

Along with his wife, daughter and mother, Shaun will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his aunt, Iris (Gary) Johnson; his uncle, Harold (Eddie) Hansborough; his many cousins; and his close friend, retired Elkhart Fire Department Chief Mike Compton. Also grieving him are his faithful canine companions, Frankie and Murphy, who still seem to be searching for the familiar footsteps of their favorite person.

In accordance with Shaun’s wishes for dignity and simplicity, a memorial service celebrating his life will be held at the Omega Event Center, 2130 Middlebury St, Elkhart, IN, on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Family and friends may gather for visitation and fellowship beginning at 11:00 a.m. Close classmate and friend, Pastor Marvin Pace of New Vison Life Church in Elkhart will officiate. Members of the Elkhart Fire Department Honor Guard will stand watch beside Shaun's urn throughout the service, with a traditional firefighter's memorial service to follow.

The family sincerely thanks the Elkhart Fire Department, for their compassion, support, and countless efforts on behalf of the family during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Elkhart County in tribute to Shaun’s lifelong love of animals.