Harry Lee Showmaker, a life-long farmer in the Lusk Chapel community of Scott County, MO, began his eternal life on September 11, 2012.
Harry was born on Sept. 14, 1920 in Mississippi County to Lucille (Ponder) Showmaker and Fred Showmaker. He was married on November 23, 1943 to Avadale Mayfield at Benton and she preceded him in death February 16, 1981. On October 10, 1986 he was married to Nadine (Browning) Barnhill of Charleston.
Preceding him in death were his wife, Avadale, his parents Lucille and Fred Showmaker, brother E.J. Showmaker, sister Anna Reichert, and daughter-in-law Vickie Showmaker.
He is survived by his wife, Nadine of Charleston, his three children; Harry Lee Showmaker, Jr. (Jean) of Waxhaw, NC, Karen Gaertner (Arthur) of Decatur, Al., Philip Showmaker (Julie) of Sikeston; his sister, Freda Jo Owens (Edward) of Olive Branch, IL.; 9 grandchildren: Harry Lee Showmaker, III (Danielle), Eric Lee Showmaker (Jaime), Melissa McCord (Jonathan), Martha Gaertner Thomas (Brian), Jeremy Gaertner (Katie), Erica Gaertner Hoskins (Alan), Gretchen Showmaker Christian (Kevin), Jason Showmaker (Rebecca), and Morgan Showmaker; 11 great-grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews.
During his 26 year marriage to Nadine he developed a relationship with Nadine's 4 children, Debbie Crocker (Mark) of Sikeston, Eddie Barnhill (Mary) of Charleston, Sandie Layton (Larry) of Dexter and Diann Volker (John) of Adams, TN; her 6 grandchildren, Scott Suver, Jon Layton (Jennifer), Kerry Evans (Matt), Lee Barnhill (Becky), Ashleigh Stratton (Ken) and Kayla Townley (Brandon) and 7 great-grandchildren.
Active in church and community, Harry served in multiple capacities at Unity Baptist Church of Benton, MO, from Sunday School teacher to superintendant, church treasurer and deacon during his 45 year membership there. Following a move to Charleston, he worshiped the Lord at First Baptist Church.
For several years, Harry served on the school board of the Scott County RIV School District (Kelly).
He was known by many children in the Charleston and Sikeston area as the "Indian Rock Man". He shared his collection of locally collected Indian artifacts with students in area elementary schools from 1987 through 2002. Adults in the area knew him as "The Puzzle Man" for his presentations at Pioneer Days at the Big Oak Tree State Park. His last date there was September 14, 2010 where he celebrated his 90th birthday.
Visitation will be at the First Baptist Church of Charleston from 5 until 8 pm Friday. A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 am Saturday with the pastor, Rev. Michael W. Brewer, officiating. Interment will follow at the Unity Baptist Church Cemetery at Benton under the direction of Blanchard Funeral Chapel. His grandsons will serve as his pallbearers.
Memorial Contributions may be made in his honor to First Baptist Church 301 S. Main Charleston, MO 63834 or the Charleston Nutrition Center 205 W. Commercial Charleston, MO 63834