Neil Showalter 66, of Strasburg passed peacefully at home December 8, 2023 after a long illness.
Neil was born August 10, 1957 in Harrisonburg, Virginia.
A gifted athlete and student, even at a young age, he won the 1970 Joe Gitchell Award as Harrisonburg Youth Football League’s most outstanding student/athlete. He graduated from Turner Ashby High School in 1975 where he was Senior Class President and varsity football co-captain. In 1979 he graduated with honors from James Madison University with majors in Accounting and Finance. He later earned a Master’s degree.
He was preceded in death by his father, Conan Gruver Showalter and step-daughter, Rachel Chowning.
He is survived by his wife, Lorie Carroll Showalter of Strasburg; mother, Joyce Ann Patrick of Harrisonburg; two children, David Neil Showalter of Salem, Oregon and Daniel Turner Showalter of Nashville, Tennessee; two step-children, Jared B. Chowning of Brooklyn, New York and Shanna Chowning of Martinsburg, WV; brother, Allen Wilson Showalter of Bridgewater; two sisters, Elizabeth Showalter Danner of Rockingham and Linda Showalter Peale of Bridgewater; two grandchildren, Jonah and Otto Showalter of Salem, Oregon; and four step-grandchildren, Andrew, Cassidy, Noah and Lucia.
After passing his CPA exam, Neil worked as an accountant for McGladry and Pullen. Neil was hard working and skilled in finance. This led him to join Cassco Ice where he eventually became President. Later he served the town of Mt. Jackson for more than 15 years, most recently as Town Manager. He truly enjoyed the challenges and responsibilities of working in local government as well as the time with co-workers and staff.
Later in life, Neil enjoyed watching sports and classic TV with the family dog, Tupac, nearby and vacationing on the North Carolina beaches with wife, Lorie.
A Celebration of Life for Neil will be held Wednesday, December 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Mt. Jackson Town Office.
He was a good athlete, apple of his parents eye, and once help me with a project…sorry he had to deal with a terrible cancer..RIP.
Thank you Keith. Even during those difficult months, he maintained his sense of humor, kept a smile on his face and greeted me and his family with love in his eyes.
Lorie Showalter
My nephew displayed all the best qualities of his mother and grandmother.
Neil was an awesome man, he projected my future in a very positive direction. There are people you come across in life that at the time you don’t realize how much of an impact they made, or will make on you until later in life. Neil was that person for me, we worked together at Casco Ice. Neil you will be dearly missed and you will always be in our thoughts.
Thank you Ron. You expressed my own sentiments; but of course in a more personal way. The most amazing aspect of Neil’s personality was his ability to relate to others, no matter their differences, each on their own playing field, so to speak.
There was no one else quite like him. Of course I’m preferential towards him but that did not prevent me from being able to view him objectively.
I was so pleased to see you there! Thank you. Lorie
There was absolutely no one else like him. He didn’t use the words “no” or “I don’t know”. He helped everyone who ever asked him for help, no matter the problem, regardless of the trouble. He gave himself to people, freely, never expecting or asking for anything in return. He truly was one of a kind and he was the love of my life.
Even during his last moments, he had a smile on his face, he never complained and he hummed a song of his own. He taught me a lot about life and never had a bad word to say about anyone he met. He will be missed beyond measure. I find myself at a loss for adequate words to describe this wonderful man. I will love him always and forever.
Sincerest condolences to family and friends, Your memory will live on and support those who have known and loved you.
Thank you for your encouraging words Cuz.
You were wise beyond your years when we were just little kids swinging on our great-grandma’s porch swing.
Our deepest sympathy for the family and friends of Neil. Neil served the town of Mt Jackson above and beyond measure and will be missed by many. Our prayers are with the family and may his memory live long in with those who serve our little town of Mt. Jackson. God Bless!
Just found this out today. Sad to see this old friend gone. We were in the 6th grade together, and both played Midget football for his father, Conan. Also played football all the way through high school together. He was a solid football player, highly intelligent, a good leader..
My sincere condolences to the Family. Neil and I attended high school long ago and I always thought highly of him.
Playing football against Neil when we were young, my first impression was he’s such a big kid and a good athlete. But getting to know him, you found out how sensitive he was, how much he loved his family and being at home with them. My deepest condolences.
Thank you for the kind words Steve. I remember lining up against your (not so) little brother Mark to block him in Pee Wee league. He was a handful. Great memories of youth football all those years ago.
Joyce, Allen, Liz, Linda, and Neil’s family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Neil. I pray that the God of all love comfort you during this time.