Michael Thomas Showalter

Michael Thomas Showalter was born June 10, 1944, in Takoma Park, Maryland to Michael and Millie (Emswiler) Showalter. He departed this life on July 18, 2026, in Columbia, Missouri with his wife and daughter by his side. A celebration of life will be held at Broadway Christian Church on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 2pm with an ice cream reception following in which the family will be there to greet those who come by.

Mike is predeceased by his parents, his two sisters, Evelyn Carter and Helen Walker. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Delores, a daughter, Jennifer Showalter, sons, James Showalter and Steven (Rachel) Showalter and two grandsons, Wesley and Ezra Showalter. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Larry (Esther) Rollins and their family as well as other extended family members.

Mike graduated from Richard Montgomery High School, Rockville, MD and Frostburg State College, Frostburg, MD with a chemistry degree.

After graduation from college, Mike served 19 months with the Army in Vietnam where he was trained as an imagery analyst. Upon his return from Vietnam Mike began his career with the Central Intelligence Agency from 1971–1995 serving in various imagery intelligence analyst and liaison positions. While with the CIA, Mike received many awards including the CIA Certificate of Distinction, eight Exceptional Performance Awards and three Certificates for Exceptional Accomplishment. Upon retirement from the CIA Mike spent several years working for General Dynamics before resuming his retirement.

Mike, his wife and kids enjoyed summer beach vacations in North and South Carolina and many Christmas vacations skiing in West Virginia. Many times, those vacations were shared with his two sisters or Delores' father, her brother and family. There were also camping trips, some with our pop-up camper and some with a tent visiting Disney World and National Parks.

Mike was always present for both his sons' soccer games and tournaments. He also was present at his daughters, thankfully, short lived career in soft ball.

Upon his retirement, Mike and Delores loved to travel near and far, especially their 4 trips to Costa Rica.

Then came along two grandsons, Wes and Ezra who are now 3 and 5. Mike adored them and relished in the FaceTime's his daughter in law Rachel initiated. Mike only wished his health hadn't prevented him from doing some of the things he would have liked to do with them.

Mike and Delores got to celebrate their 50th Anniversary last September. Then this past February James and his girlfriend, Faith, came for a visit and Steven and his family came on Father's Day weekend. We didn't know this would be their last visit with their dad, and we are so grateful they got to see him one last time. His daughter Jen was able to be around to help her mom with the caretaking duties for the last several months. They both were able to hold his hands at the very end and are so thankful for that.

Mike was always ready to help those in need. Jen remembers that even as a kid if she had a friend that needed a place to stay for a night or two, they were welcome.

His passions, especially in the current climate, were for Democracy, Free Speech and Decency. If only we all shared those passions.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to World Central Kitchen at WCK.org or by mail to: World Central Kitchen Inc. PO Box 96538 Washington, DC 20090.