John L. Showalter

John L. Showalter, 70, of Connersville, died peacefully surrounded by his family Monday evening, December 5, 2011 at St. Vincent's Seton Specialty Hospital in Indianapolis following open heart surgery on Sept. 19. John was born on May 24, 1941 in Connersville, the youngest son of John and Pauline Personette Showalter. He graduated from Connersville High School in 1959. John was a member of the only undefeated CHS football team, and also played baseball and basketball. Following high school, John attended Ball State University, and in 1963 graduated from the Indiana College of Mortuary Science in Indianapolis. During his business career, he served as President of Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Chapels in Connersville, Liberty, and College Corner, OH. John was a recognized leader in his profession and developed several new ethical funeral business models, many of which are still practiced today. He had served as District Director of the Indiana Funeral Directors Association. He was a member of St. Gabriel's Catholic Church and previously served on its Pastoral Council. John was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus, a 32nd degree Mason, and a member of the Connersville Lion's Club, where he was local Lion of the year. John was instrumental in organizing the first LEO Club at Connersville High School and served as its first sponsor, leading the club to receive State LEO Club of the Year Award. He was the last appointed member of the Fayette County School Corporation where he served as President. As a member of the Union County Jaycees, John started the first Union County EMT Unit by successfully completing a fundraiser to purchase an ambulance. This accomplishment earned him Jaycee of the Year, State Project of the Year Award, and National Runner-up. He also helped found the Union County Medical Association. The Connersville Jaycees recognized John as Boss of the Year 1981-1982. His love of sports carried into his adulthood, as he was a volunteer coach for several local grade school softball and basketball programs. He was an avid golfer and former member of Liberty & Connersville Country Club. Survivors include Judith M. Showalter, his former wife and mother of their four children. Surviving children and their spouses are: Julianne Jaensson and Mike of Noblesville and their children Alex and Ellie; Jan Marie Showalter of Muncie; J.B. Showalter and Shannon of Lakewood, IL and their daughters Madden and Beckham; and Jill Darby and Rich of Danville, IL and their sons Ethan, Ross, and Jackson; his brother: Dr. Bradley G. Showalter and his wife, Karen of Sun City Center, FL.; many nieces, nephews and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Ralph and Bruce. The Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at St. Gabriel's Catholic Church with Revs. Glenn O’Connor and Stanley J. Herber, officiating. Interment will follow in Dale Cemetery. Friends may visit from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel, Connersville and at the church after 1 p.m. Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Gabriel's School. Please join the family in sharing memories or to send an online condolence, visit www.ShowalterBlackwellLong.com