Shelby Tyler McGinnis

Shelby Tyler McGinnis, 28, Topeka, Kansas, spent 10, 563 days on this Earth and lived every day like it was his last. On the afternoon of February 21, 2019, after a courageous 14 month battle with the “C” word, he took his final breath. Shelby was born on March 15, 1990, to Don and Brenda Hoffman McGinnis. He was a colicky baby that caused his parents to get little rest but otherwise, was a good baby. As a pre-teen, Shelby raced Junior Dragsters in Topeka and the surrounding area. He attended USD 501 School and graduated from Topeka High School in 2008. Shelby was remarkably healthy throughout his academic career, only missing two days due to illness. He had much better attendance than his dad, who liked to skip school. Shelby worked for ISS Facility Services for ten years, where his attention to detail was one of his finest qualities. Everyone knew of Shelby’s love for all forms of auto racing, online gaming, and an eclectic taste in music from The Beatles to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Tech N9ne. He was, at one time, globally ranked number 8 in the Rocket League. Shelby never missed going to the NHRA National Events at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, beginning with his first one while he was still in the womb. Which is probably the reason he could sleep through pro qualifying when he would get tired as a child. Shelby had a positive impact on all that knew him, other than a rare few haters. Through is gaming, he developed solid relationships with people across the country. To the staff at KU Medical Center, and IU/PUI in Indianapolis: may all your patients have the McGinnis sense of humor. It keeps one on their toes and it’s certain that Bailey, Hannah and the gang on the 11th floor would agree. Grateful to have shared in Shelby’s life his father and step-mother, Don and Jean McGinnis; mother and step-father, Brenda Hoffman and Don Sinning; sister, Crystal Brown: and “sista”, Jacque Horn. Shelby’s sendoff will be Saturday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home. Visitation will start at noon with words of wisdom from Jesse Madaffri at 1 p.m. Cremation is planned following the words of wisdom and private inurnment will be at a later date. The requested dress code for Shelby’s sendoff is casual, with racing, Chiefs or KU attire. Shelby was raised a Wildcat but transitioned into a Jayhawk in Middle School. He also wanted all who have them to drive their Hot Rods. Let’s hope for a warm, sunny day. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Children’s Mercy Hospital, to benefit Big Slick KC which benefits the Cancer Center at Children’s Mercy.

Shelby Tyler McGinnis

March 15, 1990 - February 21, 2019