David Showalter Obituary

David Kent Showalter, age 58, of Lawrence, KS, passed away at Lawrence Memorial Hospital, Lawrence, KS on December 14, 2018. David was born in North Kansas City, MO, on February 27, 1960, the son of Paul Kenneth Showalter and Peggy Joyce (Monroe) Showalter. David grew up in Baldwin City, graduating from Baldwin High School with the class of 1978. While at Baldwin High, David earned varsity letters on both the football and wrestling teams and also performed in the school musicals. David was awarded a football scholarship to Washburn University after high school, and eventually transferred to Emporia State University where he graduated in 1983 with a degree in Industrial Technology. During his college years, David was a proud member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity.

After graduation, David began working for Payless Cashways in Phoenix, AZ, eventually working his way from the lumberyard into management. He worked for Payless Cashways as a store manager in Albuquerque, NM, Omaha, NE, Merriam, KS and Springfield, MO. He began working for Lowe's Home Improvement in 1996, where he opened several stores as the store manager in Mesquite, TX and Olathe, KS. He retired from Lowe's in 2002 due to health issues. After his retirement, David continued to work part time in the C.A.D.D. Lab at Johnson County Community College until 2013.

On August 8, 1983 David was united in marriage to Rebecca Larson in Lawrence, KS. Together they had two sons, Morgan Kenneth and Michael David. They later divorced.

David was an amazing craftsman and handyman, and could make or fix almost anything. He even made his own kayak. He was always willing to help friends or family with a project, either by being there in-person or talking them through the steps. David truly had a passion for learning. He spent hours watching instructional videos, on anything and everything you can imagine. A proud Eagle Scout, David was an expert Pinewood Derby car maker. One of his proudest moments was when his sons, also both Eagle Scouts, finished first and second in their Pinewood Derby race. David loved the outdoors and the beach, but most dear to him was his family. He loved them with all his heart.

David is survived by his mother, Peggy Joyce Showalter (Lawrence, KS); his two sons, Morgan Showalter (Olathe, KS), Michael Showalter and his husband, Benet (Lawrence, KS); two sisters, Paula Gish and her husband, Stephen (Tonganoxie, KS), Deirdre Mars and her husband, Stephen (Lakewood Ranch, FL); five nephews and one niece; and his significant other and partner, Cheryl Lemon (Lawrence, KS).

David is preceded in death by his father, Paul Kenneth Showalter.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 18 at the Ives Chapel Methodist Church, Baldwin City, KS. The family will also receive friends from 5:00 pm to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, December 17 at Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, Baldwin City, KS. To honor David's commitment to organ donation and curing diabetes, memorial contributions can be made in lieu of flowers to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) or Donate Life, sent in c/o Lamb-Roberts Funeral Home, P.O. Box 64, Baldwin City, KS 66006. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.lamb-roberts.com.