Earl Franklin Showalter

Earl Franklin Showalter, 91 of Lyons, Kansas, passed away August 15, 2021, at Hospital District #1 of Rice County, Lyons. He was born June 20, 1930, in Larned, Kansas, the son of Preston Victor and Etta Johnson Showalter. Earl was a near lifelong Rice County resident. He attended Little River High School. Earl worked for the Lyons Salt Plant for thirty-nine years as a sewing machine operator, and for the City of Lyons Park Department for sixteen years. He also cleaned the Lyons Savings and Loan Bank for many years. Earl served in the United States Army from 1951 until 1953. He was a lifetime member of the former Lyons VFW and American Legion. Earl enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and the Lyons High School Football team; going to Kanopolis lake; spending time at his cabin; and going to his grandkids’ ballgames. He was a volunteer for Relay for Life, and coached summer league softball. Earl was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. On May 3, 1951, Earl was united in marriage to Virginia Faye Evans in Hooker, Oklahoma. She preceded him in death on December 3, 2010. He is also preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Ella Mae Showalter Johannsen; a brother, Jack Showalter; and daughter-in-law, Lou Ann Showalter. Earl is survived by his two sons, Joseph Showalter and significant other, Mia Barker, and Mark Showalter and wife Alicia both of Lyons, KS; daughter, Cathy Briggs and husband Pat of Lyons, KS; eight grandchildren, Melissa Webb and husband Rick of Lyons, KS, Mike Briggs of Great Bend, KS, Jeremy Showalter and wife Kristi of Lyons, KS, Heather Hardesty and husband Kyle of Bavaria, KS, Justin Showalter and wife Ashley of Buhler, KS, Heidi Coe and husband Jarid of Nickerson, KS, Matt Ankerholz and wife Hollie of Lyons, KS, and Nicole Sander and husband Irwin of Haven, KS; and sixteen great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, August 19, 2021, at First Baptist Church, Lyons with Pastor Joel Grizzle officiating. Burial will follow at Lyons Municipal Cemetery with military honors by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be at 2:00 until 7:00 P.M., Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons with family present from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to Relay for Life or Bell and Star Fund in care of Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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