Richard W. "Dick" Showalter

Richard 'Dick' William Showalter, a great man with a heart of gold, died Saturday, July 28, 2018. He was born February 8, 1930, lived a full life with nothing remaining on his bucket list. His spirit is carried on by his five children, 10 grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and an extended family of relations and friends from every walk of life. Dick had an incredible love for his family, friends and life. He was sensitive, witty and smart. He was a man of integrity and quick to offer a helping hand, a pat on the back, a kind word, a smile, a hug. He had a natural talent of turning someone's worse day into their best. He was a man of great character, a friend to all, always kind and always respectful. He was hardworking yet rarely tired. After working on a hot summer day, he didn't hesitate to load up the station wagon and drive his family to a nearby lake for a swim and picnic. Dick's love extended beyond his family to many life-long close friends he and his wife Emmy shared, many who had similar interests of golf or travel or who just liked getting together to chat and laugh. Dick's love for sports started at a young age. He never bragged about his athletic talent. "The wheel left his imprint everywhere in high school" his high school sweetheart and later wife, Emmy, wrote. He was a standout as quarterback on his Mount Pleasant football team as well as on the Oilers' basketball team. "…a smooth accurate basketeer….Dick pulled many contests out of the fire by his quick thinking and straight shooting" one newspaper reported. Later at Central Michigan University he broke records as a shot putter and was chosen as forward on CMU's basketball team. His passion and dedication for teaching students at Ithaca High School, his life-long career, was evident. Recently one student said "He taught me typing, bookkeeping, driving and how not to get mad at the golf course. He was the same warm and friendly man everywhere he went. He made a difference in hundreds of kids' lives." Along with being Ithaca's athletic director, he enjoyed coaching sports including track, basketball and golf. Perhaps his favorite coaching story was centered on his golf team winning the state championship tournament in 1974, only taking credit for "driving the van to matches". Dick is survived by children Steve (Dawn) Showalter; Kaye (Bill) Shirley; Rick (Joan) Showalter; Mike (Jackie) Showalter and Kelly (Rick) Showalter-Johnson and many friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten. Our Father is reunited with the love of his life and constant companion of 67 years, Emma Jean Showalter. A cute mention . . . Emmy received her first letter from Dick, postmarked September 23, 1949, two weeks after they started dating when Richard was in the Navy and stationed in San Diego. She noted "It took me ever since the 7th grade to make him realize what charms I have!!" A memorial service will take place on Saturday, August 11 at 11:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Michigan. Envelopes will be available at the church for those who would like to donate to the Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund of Gratiot County, a family favorite non-profit organization. Online condolences may be made to: www.CharlesRLux.com