ERIE — “Skip” James V. Showalter, 80, of Erie, passed away at 4:47 A.M., Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 at his home. He has been in failing health for approximately a year.
He was born Oct. 4, 1945 in Erie, a son of Lawrence and Johnyce Ellen (Robinson) Showalter. He grew up at Erie and attended Erie schools, graduating from Erie High School in 1963.
He was drafted into the United States Army on Nov. 24, 1965 and served in the Vietnam conflict. He was part of the Fourth Infantry Division and was assigned to the artillery unit. He was discharged on Nov. 22, 1967 and returned to Erie and attended the Neosho County Community College for two years under the G.I. Bill.
He was a carpenter by trade and was employed at Princess Homes at Parsons and later worked many years at Advanced Systems Homes at Chanute.
He was united in marriage to Janice Purdy on Nov. 23, 1968 at her parents’ home at Erie, where their life journey began. They later divorced in May 1997, but stayed friends and continued to support and encourage each other during the years. He later married Karen (Wolken) Beard on Oct. 17, 2008 in Erie. She preceded him in death on March 11, 2022.
He grew up on the First Christian Church at Erie. He enjoyed playing dominoes, crossword puzzles, working on his ’65 Chevy and fishing. Skip was quite the photographer in his day and thoroughly excelled in psychology under the direction of Mel Wellington.
He was a kind-hearted man with a deep devotion to his family and country. He was a member of the George L. Hendricks Post No. 192, American Legion and was a past commander, being proud to hold that position. He found immense joy in playing dominos at the American Legion.
Survivors include: one son and daughter in-law – Waite and Vicki Showalter, Erie; one step-son and step-daughter in-law – Brian and Robin Beard, Wellington; two daughters – Deborah L. Showalter, Oalthe, and Darla A. Showalter, Parsons; two step-daughters – Melinda Beard, her companion, Stephen Sawyer, and Kristina Beard, all of Erie; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by four brothers – Larry, Loren “Butch”, Randy and Jerry Showalter; and one sister – Merle Grady.
A memorial graveside service will be held at 10 Friday, Nov. 21, at East Hill Cemetery with Dr. Wayne Shaw officiating. Military Honors will be given by the George L. Hendricks Post No. 102, American Legion. Memorials are suggested to the George L. Hendricks Post 102 American Legion and may be left with the Pierce-Carson-Wall Funeral Home the day of the service, or mailed to the funeral home, P.O. Box 182, Erie, KS 66733. Online condolences may be left at www.wallfuneralservices. com.
