Robert "Bob" C. Showalter

Robert “Bob” C. Showalter, 91, of New Castle, passed away on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Henry County Community Health. He was born on April 2, 1935, in Richmond, Indiana, a son of the late Carl and Emily (Pierson) Showalter.

Bob was a 1953 graduate of Fountain City High School. He attended Earlham College and Ball State University, where he earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He devoted his professional life to education, teaching at Hagerstown Schools before becoming a principal. During his 31 years as a school administrator, Bob served as principal at schools in Rushville, Auburn, and New Castle’s Greenstreet Elementary School, where he retired in 1999. Bob was well loved by his students and took great pride in helping young people succeed.

A strong supporter of young people especially in athletics, Bob believed that participation in team sports taught important values and provided a sense of camaraderie that carried over into all aspects of life. Bob loved attending sporting events for both amateur and college sports. He served as an assistant football coach at Hagerstown High School and was an avid Ball State University fan, especially of their football program.

Bob’s love of sports and competition led to a remarkable career as a basketball official. He officiated high school basketball from 1954 to 1972 before moving on to the collegiate level, where he officiated from 1972 to 1989. During his college officiating career, Bob worked Division I games and became a Big Ten official. He also served as the lead official for the Mid-American Conference. In recognition of his 32 years as a basketball official, Bob was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 2007.

Bob was a member of the Elementary Principals Association and the Retired Teachers of New Castle. He enjoyed spending winters in Naples, Florida, where he attended Celebration Community Beach Church and made many wonderful memories. He also cherished the summers he spent in Northern Michigan.

Outside of education and officiating, Bob enjoyed gardening, reading, particularly nonfiction books and newspapers, and golf. He even authored a newspaper column titled “Mr. Stripes.” Golf was one of his great passions, and he worked hard at improving his game. He was a skilled golfer and was runner-up for the club championship on several occasions.

Bob had three great interests throughout his life, educating, officiating and golf and he gave each of them his time, energy and enthusiasm. Above all, Bob will be remembered as a friend to all, a dedicated educator, a mentor to young people, and a man who believed strongly in the positive influence of sports and education.

Bob is survived by his children, Terry R. (Jean Ann) Showalter, Susan (George) Kinder, Karen Ephlin and Jan (John) Wiles all of Rush County; grandchildren, Chrissy (Shane) Calkin, Michael Showalter, Doug (Kheonna) Kinder, Sam (Brittany) Kinder, Rob (Ashley) Kinder, Annie (Doug) Tompkins, J.T. Ephlin, Caleb (Alicia) Wiles, Owen Wiles and Henry Wiles; 19 great grandchildren and 3 nieces; former wife and friend, Donna Showalter.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim, Dick and Max Showalter; son-in-law, Jim Ephlin.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am to 1:00pm on Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at Hinsey-Brown Funeral Service in New Castle. A private burial will take place in Willow Grove Cemetery in Fountain City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Bob’s memory to the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame at www.hoopshall.com. You may express condolences or share memories of Bob at www.hinsey-brown.com.