- Date Of Birth: June 5, 1932
- Date Of Death: October 12, 2015
- State: Illinois
Harold D. Showalter, 83, of Ashland, IL died Monday evening, October 12, 2015, at the Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, IL. He was born June 5, 1932 in Easton, IL, the son of Alpha V. and Helen K. Wallace Showalter. He married Marge Bingham on April 6, 1968, in Lincoln, IL and she survives.
He is also survived by two children, David Showalter (wife, Michelle) of Kilbourne and Marcia Falcone (husband, Mike) of Algonquin; four grandchildren, Nick and Alyssa Falcone of Algonquin and MacKenzie and Ryan Showalter of Kilbourne; a brother, Richard Showalter (wife, Pat) of Easton; and a niece and a nephew. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Floyd Showalter.
Harold attended Western Illinois University and Illinois State University where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees along with postgraduate studies. He began his distinguished 31 year career in education teaching math and science in Elkhart. He later served as superintendent of schools for the Ashland and A-C Central School District for 23 years, retiring in 1991. During his tenure, Harold was an original founding member of the group creating Lincoln Land Community College. His enjoyment of travel led him to a second career in retirement, driving a tour bus for 16 years for the Peoria Charter and Capitol Tours companies.
Harold served with the US Air Force from January 1952 until December 1955 during the Korean Conflict. He was proud to have been a participant in an Honor Flight to Washington, DC with his fellow veterans. He has been a long time member of the Ashland VFW and American Legion Posts where he has been involved in many military funeral honors details and founded the community chicken dinner tradition following the annual Ashland Memorial Day ceremonies.
His devotion to his community led him to serve over 10 years as a member of the Ashland Volunteer Fire Department. He was also a member of the Ashland United Methodist Church, Beardstown Elks Club, and a past master of Virginia Masonic Lodge. Harold had a passion for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors and was a member of Ducks Unlimited. In recognition of his community service, Harold was presented the Ashland First Citizen Award in 2013.
