John Wesley Showalter

John Wesley Showalter, age 94, passed away on Friday, October 2, 2026, at his home in Abingdon, Virginia, after a brief illness.

John was born in Snowville, VA on January 16, 1932 to Eustace Wesley and Ethel Meredith Showalter. He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, receiving his BS in Agriculture in 1959, and his Masters of Education in 1975. John Showalter and wife Pearl started their lives in Abingdon together in 1959, both teaching in the Washington County School System, and growing their family with daughter Jan in 1964.

He built his 32-year career as an educator at Greendale High School. While at Patrick Henry High School, he served as advisor for Future Farmers of America and Young Farmers. He went on to teach at every high school in the county before retiring in 1995.

Fondly remembered as the “Mayor of Woodland Hills” by his neighbors, John Showalter gave endlessly. In addition to walking upwards of eight or more miles a day around his neighborhood, stopping and chatting with any friendly face he happened to pass, John could be seen lending a hand to a person or organization that needed his help. From clearing dead trees and brush or mowing their lawns, to driving an elderly friend to have her hair done, John always had time to help others. Through his lifetime, he volunteered at countless organizations including but not limited to Feeding America, Habitat for Humanity, the American Red Cross, Johnston Memorial Hospital and the Washington County Public Library, as well as serving as Elder and Sunday School Teacher at the Abingdon Church of Christ.

John worked diligently on his garden year after year, the products from which he shared generously. John was a voracious reader. In his retirement, he went to the Abingdon branch of the Washington County Public Library as part of his weekly errands every Tuesday, often checking out two full bags of western titles he’d finish before the next week.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Eustace Poage, James Curtis, and David Lewis Showalter; and his wife of 45 years, Pearl Phillips Showalter. He is survived by daughter Jan Medeiros (Keith), granddaughters Cassandra Mills (Marc), and Megan Medeiros (Nick Branson), sisters-in-law Ella Cromer (Franklin) and Marie Hale (Archie), brother-in-law Hoyt Phillips (Linda) and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank MSA Hospice and caregiver Gina Derrick for their excellent care.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 PM on Thursday, October 8 at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with funeral services to follow at 2:00 PM, Phil Blevins and Nathan Liddell officiating. Pallbearers include Tom Covey, Delmer Farmer, Dennis Gregory, Archie Hale, Tim Matney, and Kevin Thayer. Honorary Pallbearers include Bob Hardee, Bill Rugg, Harold Shockley, and Phil Torbett.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to MSA Hospice, Abingdon Church of Christ, or the many volunteer organizations John supported.

The family of John Showalter is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory - Forest Hills Location, 19415 Lee. Hwy, Abingdon, Va 24210. 276-623-2700.