Richard D. Showmaker

1934 - 2024

Richard D. Showmaker

June 24, 1934 - February 21, 2024

Fort Worth, Texas - Richard D Showmaker, 89, passed away at home on February 21, 2024. He was born to Thelma Faye Weaver and William Delmar Showmaker in West Frankfort, Illinois on June 24, 1934.

Viewing: Sunday March 3, 2024, 6-8 pm, at Greenwood Funeral Home in Memorial Suite A. 3344 White Settlement Rd, Fort Worth, Texas, 76107. Service: Monday March 4, 2024, 10 am, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 5001 Altamesa Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas; followed by internment at Greenwood Memorial Park.

Richard, who went by Dick, was an active Boy Scout. Just a few days before his death he perfectly recited the Scout Oath and all 12 Points of the Scout Law. He was an industrious young man, working several jobs as a teenager.

Dick met the love of his life, Shirley Mae Risner, at West Frankfort High School. They were married in West Frankfort on August 21, 1954, the year after Dick graduated from High School. Dick and Shirley moved to Mexico, Missouri and Overland Park, Kansas before settling in Fort Worth, Texas where he founded Wesco Refractories, Inc. Wesco remains a thriving family owned and operated business supporting the steel industry.

Dick's greatest love was his family. Everything he did was for them. He was an avid golfer and a member of Ridglea Country Club. He enjoyed breakfast with friends at Paris Coffee Shop. He was a patron of the performing arts and held season tickets to Casa Manana for many years. He loved to play canasta and dominos with friends and family.

Dick was a member of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served his congregation in various capacities. He especially loved serving the youth. He took the Boy Scouts to Canada on a canoe trip and chaperoned dances and out of town trips. He hosted many swim parties at his home.

Richard was proceeded in death by his parents Thelma and Delmar Showmaker, his sister Noma Faye Simpson, and his grandson Eric Forrester. He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Shirley; his children; Debra (Richard) Forrester; Cynthia (Hugh) Redd; Richard A. Showmaker; Christopher Showmaker; and Jennifer (Brian) Hart; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-children; and nieces and nephews; all who loved him dearly.