On Saturday, March 6, 2021, Robert Henry Showalter, Sr. ("Bob"), husband and father of six children, went to be with the Lord at the age of 97. Bob was born to William Nathaniel Showalter and Lura Malinda St. Clair Showalter on June 19, 1923. He received his teaching degree at Milligan College, then went on to earn his Masters Degree at UVA in Mathematics. He was a teacher for most of his life, and served as Principal of various Carroll County schools. During his tenure, he also coached baseball and tennis. He was active in playing tennis all his life until well into his 70's. He was a member of First Christian Church in Galax for several years, singing in the choir and serving as Sunday School teacher and Deacon.

At the age of 20, after completing his education at Milligan College, Bob volunteered for the Air Corps of the army in WW2. He trained on a B-24, but transitioned to the B-17 Flying Fortress and served as a ball turret gunner based out of Eye, England. He flew 31 bombing missions over Germany, until the war finally came to an end in 1945. He also participated in a food drop mission over Holland. His two brothers also served in the war at the same time. He was very proud of what he did for his country and eventually wrote a very detailed memoir of his WW2 experiences. He was a member the Hillsville VFW for several years, and served faithfully as an officer and on their funeral detail.

Bob is survived by his wife of 7l years, Barbara Delp Showalter, his six children, Karen Thompson, Kathy Dalton, Robert Showalter Jr., Matthew Showalter, Mark Showalter, and Christina Horton. He was preceded in death by his six siblings Judith Sandy, William (Bill) Showalter, Donald Showalter, Malinda Lareau, Joanna Showalter, and June Showalter. Bob has ten grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and one on the way, and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will take place at Oakland United Methodist Cemetery in Galax, VA, Wednesday, March 10 at 2:00 PM with Pastors Matthew Showalter and Glen Sage officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the Hillsville V.F. W. Grover King Post 1115. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel is serving the family.