Donald E. Showley, 87, Rochester, was surrounded by his loving family when he passed away at 4:20 AM on Sunday, May 15, 2022 at Wynnfield Crossing of Rochester.
On June 1, 1934 Donald Edward was born in Flint, Michigan to Ralph Edward and Hazel Viola Walker Showley. Proudly he graduated with the Class of 1952 from Grass Creek High School. As a Panther, he played basketball and participated in track, throwing the shot put.
Don and Glenda Wilson were married on August 21, 1954 at Rochester's Grace United Methodist Church. Together they shared over 64 years of life's adventures. From their union came three wonderful children: Debbie, Dennis and Dan. The family tree continued to grow with the added blessings of five grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
In the early years Don gained his start in farming with the help of his in laws, Glenn and Lera Wilson. Showley Farms evolved over the years that now include four generations, with Don at the helm. Their crops include soybeans and corn. Don's happy place each fall was being seated on board his New Holland combine cutting the beans.
A servant to his community Don served on several boards including the Rochester Community School board, Indiana State REMC board and the board of directors of the 1st National Bank. His memberships include Grace United Methodist Church, Manitou Moose Lodge #1107, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, all of Rochester, and the Lincoln Masonic Lodge #523 of Macy.
To relax Don enjoyed meeting his buddies for a game of tennis and more recently pickle ball. He and Glenda wintered in Florida for 36 years. While in Florida he enjoyed fishing the intercoastal waterways and catching a few spring training games. Don also grew orchids while in the sunshine state. At home he followed Big Ten Sports especially Purdue and IU. He was always tuned in to the Chicago Cubs to watch their progress.
Left to cherish Don's memory are a daughter, Debbie Barts and husband Monty; a son, Dan Showley and fiance' Leslie Strem, all of Rochester; five grandchildren: Gretchen Mensch and husband Tyler of Noblesville, Landon Barts and wife Andrea, JD Showley and wife Morgan, Brantlyn Showley and wife Janet all of Rochester and Peyton Showley and fiancée Heather Walker of College Station Texas; 11 great-grandchildren: a trio of Mensch's, Ella, Halle, Camille; Lera and Marley Barts; the Showley trio: Ireland, Scarlett and Forrest; Teagan, Mara and Hawkins Showley, all from Rochester; a sister, Linda Hoff and husband Rod of Kewanna; a brother, Robert Showley and wife Linda of Kewanna; a special neighbor, Bob Macy, several nieces and nephews; and his treasured canine companion Wrigley, a silver Shih Zhu.
Preceding Don in death are his parents, wife, infant son Dennis E. Showley on May 16, 1960, sister Alice Lee Carr, a special nephew Larry Carr.
A celebration of the life of Mr. Donald E. Showley will be at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, May 24, 2022 in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 West 18th St. Rochester. Pastor Kurt Nichols will officiate. Friends may visit with the family from 11-1 on Tuesday in the funeral home. Interment will be in the Mt. Zion Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Fulton County Animal Shelter, 1540 Wentzel St., Rochester, IN 46975.
