Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
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Larry A. Showalter
June 9, 1936 - April 23, 2022
SHOWALTER, Larry (Dobe) A., Lt. Col., Retired USAF, 85 years, of Sandusky, Ohio passed away Saturday, April 23, 2022 at the Sandusky Ohio Veterans Home with his wife, Glenda by his side. Larry was called home after a very long and brave struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Larry and Glenda forged forward together with prayer, faith, and humor to get them through the difficult times. As the disease progressed Larry continued to be positive and considerate of others. His quiet sense of humor was a welcome blessing.
Larry was a dedicated member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved serving in whatever capacity he was asked. He enjoyed helping others until his illness made it too difficult. Most importantly, Larry loved his family and especially his grandchildren. It was important to have quality time with them.
He left us with memories of his dislike of winter, love of sunshine and the outdoors, appreciation of good food (especially ice cream), cars, car rides and travel, fishing, hunting, and dogs. Larry always remembered others on important occasions with a phone call and/or a perfectly chosen heartfelt ‘sappy' card and note.
Larry was born June 9, 1936 in Sandusky, Ohio to Francis E. (F.E./Bim) Showalter and Vivian H. Harmon.
Larry graduated from Sandusky High School in 1954 where he was known for his athletic abilities in baseball, football, and varsity basketball. He was also actively involved in Scouting.
He attended Miami University before following his real passion of flying.
Larry went into the Air Force Officer Candidate/ Pilot Training Program in 1956 where he achieved the Distinguished Gradate for USAF Aviation Cadet Pilot Training among other awards. He graduated as a 2nd Lieutenant.
Larry was married to Doti L. Mears of Sandusky from 1959 through his 22-year military career.
The family had a long trail of ‘homes' across the globe mainly Warren, Ohio; Duluth, Minnesota; Misawa, Japan; Ft. Walton Beach, Florida; Rome, New York; Bellevue, Nebraska; Athens, Greece; and lastly Spokane, Washington before retirement in Sandusky.
Larry served a year ('67-'68) in Viet Nam as an Air Defense Coordinator. After returning home he became a Flying Safety Officer and a Reconnaissance Officer. He also served in the Air Defense Command, Tactical Air Command and the Strategic Air Command. Larry was Pilot-in-Command for 11 different aircraft and instructor for 4 of them. At retirement he was the Executive officer to the base commander in Spokane.
During the time Larry was in the Air Force, he continued his education earning his Bachelor's Degree in 1973, his Master's Degree in Human Resource management in 1976, and his real estate license shortly before retirement.
Larry retired from the Air Force in 1979 with the distinguished rating of Command Pilot along with many other awards and recognitions.
In 1981 Larry moved from Sandusky to Arizona where he worked at Scottsdale Memorial Hospital as the Materials Manager. He became reacquainted with and married, Glenda, also from Sandusky, in 1983. After several years in Arizona, they returned to Sandusky to care for Larry's ailing parents.
He is survived by his wife, Glenda (Simpson) of Sandusky; daughter, Billie (Ron) Ricks of Yorba Linda, California; sons, Scott of Lake Powell, Arizona and Martin (Cheryl Hansen) of Oak Harbor, Ohio; stepdaughters, Sharon McNutt, Linda Simmons, and Jill McNutt who all live locally; brother, Ron of Sandusky; 8 grandchildren, Brian (CA), Steven (CA), Shelley (CA), Kristin (UT), Jeffrey (AZ), Kevin (AZ), Ashley (AZ), Matthew (CO), Julian (OH) and 8 great -grandchildren.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents.
Services will be held later with interment at Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron. Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.
The family thanks the staff at the Ohio Veterans Home Memory Care and suggests that in Larry's memory a donation be made to the Sandusky VA home Memory Care Unit for recreational therapy supplies, 3416 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, OH 44870 or an Alzheimer's charity of your choice.
Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com
