Dr. Peter M. Showan

Dr. Peter M. Showan of 581 South Seventh Street, Chambersburg, PA, died at age 89 on May 9, 2013. Born June 5, 1923 in Weston Place, PA, his parents, Joseph and Anna, were first generation immigrants from Austria. He was raised in Frackville, PA, where he was a 1940 graduate of Frackville High School. Peter attended Penn State University before enlisting in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He became a fighter pilot, flying P-40's and the P-38 "Lightning" in the North Pacific with the 11th Air Force, 344th Fighter Squadron, 343rd Fighter Group. Following active service in the War, he joined the Medical Service Corps National Guard Service and was honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. After active duty, he completed undergraduate studies at the University of Florida and Temple University and then enrolled in National Chiropractic College in Chicago from which he graduated in 1952. At National College he was elected to the Honorary Scholastic Society. He practiced as a chiropractor on North Second Street in Chambersburg for 38 years, retiring in 1988. Peter was a long-time member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Chambersburg, where he taught Sunday school and participated on the consistory as a Deacon and Elder. He was a member of the Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce and the Lions Club, serving a term as Director. Peter served on the Borough Municipal Authority for a number of years and was invited to serve two terms on the Hoffman Homes for Youth Board of Directors in Littlestown, PA. Among his interests and volunteer activities were St. John's Camp, the Red Cross and Meals-on-Wheels. Peter was an active member of his community and loved the outdoors, golfing, jogging, and landscaping. He became the talk of the town when he trimmed his hedges into heart and globe shapes, complete with funny signs. He particularly enjoyed his swimming group at the Chambersburg YMCA, attending the local summer theater, "Totem Pole", and his Friday morning breakfast group with "the guys." Nedia, his wife and the mother of their three daughters, predeceased him in 1994. His brother, Professor Daniel Showan of Lock Haven, PA, survives him along with nephews, nieces, and cousins. In addition to his parents, a brother, Michael, sister, Julia Beltrami, and beloved niece, Dorothy Miller, preceded him in death. Surviving him are daughters Ann Showan-Slade and her husband, Edwin, of Doylestown, PA; Barbara Showan Leaton and her husband, Edward, of Midlothian, VA; and Nina Showan Wakefield of Baltimore, MD. Peter was very close to his seven grandchildren and loved being updated on their careers and friends, sharing many happy family occasions with them. From oldest to youngest they are: Kerry Slade of Philadelphia; Tim Leaton of Los Angeles, CA; Eddie Slade of Phoenix, AZ; Christina (Leaton) Bennett and her husband, Chase, of Palo Alto, CA; Jonathan Peter Leaton of Charlottesville, VA; Elliott Wakefield of Edinburgh, Scotland, and Tyler Wakefield of Baltimore. Peter was recently in residence at Menno Haven Northgate in Chambersburg, where he made many fine friends. In the past year he has resided at Southerland Assisted Living in Midlothian, VA, and most recently at the Veteran's Care Facility, Sitter and Barfoot, in Richmond, VA. The family acknowledges the dedicated caregivers and friends who have touched our hearts during Peter's illness. We especially appreciate the longtime family friends and neighbors in Chambersburg, Peter's WWII era buddies and valued friends in the Los Angeles area, the many patients he was privileged to treat during his career, and many other people who shaped Peter's life experience. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Peter's name may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ in Chambersburg, the Chambersburg YMCA, Hoffman Homes for Youth in Littlestown, PA or the charity of your choice. Services at St. John's Church to celebrate his life will be announced at a later date.