Funeral services for Thomas Shane Otwell, affectionately known by everyone as “Pooky”, age 53 of Pea Ridge, LA will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, June 5, 2026 at Owens Memorial Chapel with Rev. Dallas Witt and Rev. Barry Joyner officiating. Burial will follow in Mineral Springs Cemetery in Dubach, LA under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston, LA.
Shane was born on June 3, 1972 in Ruston, LA to Ruby and Jessie Earl Otwell and he passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 in Ruston, LA – just one day shy of his 54th birthday. A lifelong resident of Pea Ridge, Shane left behind a legacy of laughter, honesty, hard work, and unwavering love for his family and community.
A dedicated painter with Hinson Painting, Shane took pride in his work and the relationships he built throughout the years. But if you knew Shane, you knew there was much more to him than his job title. To know Shane was to know him as “Pooky.” If Becky wasn’t keeping him busy, you could usually find him fishing, hunting, or talking about fishing and hunting. He was truly one of a kind, unapologetically himself in every way. If he had something to say, he was going to say it, whether you agreed with him or not. That strong spirit came honestly from his parents, who raised him to be strong-minded and never afraid to speak his truth.
Those who knew him best understood that beneath his tough exterior was a man with a gentle heart and a kind soul. He was always willing to share his knowledge, offer advice, tell a story, or strike up a conversation with anyone willing to listen. Dressed in his cutoff shirts and shorts, he may not have looked like the smartest person in the room, but appearances can be deceiving. Shane had a wealth of knowledge on just about everything. Just ask Becky—he knew it all, or at least he thought he did.
Shane was preceded in death by his father, Jesse Earl Otwell. He is survived by his beloved wife, Rebecca Otwell; mother, Ruby Nell Otwell; mother-in-law, Ramona Martin; father-in-law, Donnie Martin; his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Bambi and Trey Hinson, and Brandi and Nick Cripps; along with countless nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, and neighbors who loved him dearly.
Serving as pallbearers will be Trey Hinson, John Frasier, Brandon Watts, Eian Cripps, Gabe Hinson, and Alan Haynes. Honorary pallbearers are Chris Otwell, Sid Billberry, Nick Cripps, Brad Stucky, Marty Edwards, Dennis Cripps, and Joe Nunn.
His sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss to everyone who knew and loved him. Yet those closest to him know that Pooky wouldn’t want us sitting around being sad for too long. He liked life simple, and he would want us to remember the laughter, the stories, the lessons, and the love he shared so freely. The impact Shane left on our hearts will never fade. His spirit lives on in the memories he created, the lives he touched, and the family and friends who will carry his legacy forward. He was one of a kind, and he always will be. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever Pooky.
Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until service time, Friday, at Owens Memorial Chapel.
