Roy Sherman Showalter, age 79 of Swink, Colorado went home to Jesus and reunited with all his loved ones in heaven on April 27, 2026, peacefully at home held and surrounded by his wife, daughters, and his loving family.
He was born to Margaret and Earl Showalter, Jr. August 4, 1946 in La Junta, Colorado. Roy at the age of 6 moved with his brother Ralph and sister Mary with their Mom to be closer to family in West Bellaire, Ohio. Roy attended grade school there. He had a paper route he worked every day after school, earnings went to a Pepsi and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for his sweet tooth. His family attended the Salvation Army Church, and he played the tuba in the band’s weekly open air church services. He enjoyed his favorite square Detroit Style Pizza at Dicarlos with his family that he talked about his entire life. He worked at his step father's car dealership and loved driving the cool new cars when he had the opportunity. He graduated from High School in 1964 in Moundsville West Virginia and returned to Swink, Colorado to work alongside his father at Showalter Inc. He started as a mechanic working on the semi trucks, and over the years worked his way up to dispatcher, and eventually the owner of the well known trucking and grain elevator business.
He met his wife Phyllis Blackford at the Rocky Ford Pool, and it was love at first sight, after throwing her in in the pool. They were married in June of 1970, and welcomed their first daughter Audra Ann one year later. Amy Lin came four years later and in another four years, Abby Elizabeth came. They lived on the Marshall Farm on Highway 10 until 1984, when they moved into the town of Swink on Holly Street, where they still reside today.
Roy had a fun, mischievous, kind and sweet personality. He loved traveling, water skiing in his beloved boat, the Dilly Dally, named after his wife, riding motorcycles, playing cards and shooting pool. He enjoyed many years with the Antique Car Club of La Junta, and proudly owned a 1929 International truck. A man of faith, he served in many roles in the church over the 53 years he attended faithfully, with many years as president of Faith Community Church Board in Swink. He enjoyed community concerts, playing poker with friends, had a special taste for Mexican food, and could never pass up a chocolate donut, pan of brownies, chocolate chip cookie, or scoop of chocolate ice cream. He especially loved making homemade chocolate and strawberry ice cream for special occasions, like birthdays. Above all, Roy adored his family. He took immense joy in spending time with his grandchildren. Papa Roy was their biggest fan and attended all their concerts, theater productions, recitals, and sport competitions. He had a special love for teddy bears and gave each of his daughters and grandchildren a special bear when they were born. He was affectionately known to the grandkids as the President of the (Stuffed Teddy) Bear Union, always taking care of and making sure his stuffed buddies were well cared for and loved. His kindness, generosity, sense of humor, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew him. Roy’s legacy of love, compassion, and devotion will live on through his children, grandchildren, and all whose lives he touched. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Phyllis Showalter of Swink, Colorado, daughters, Audra (Todd) Schlosser of Denver, Colorado, Amy (Clint) Randolph of Denver, Colorado and Abby (Bo) White, of La Junta, Colorado, grandchildren, Briar (Austin) Smith of Wetherford, Oklahoma, Tatum (Addie Johnston) White of Pueblo, Colorado, Talon White, Tyran White and Tristyn White all of La Junta, Clinton “C.J.” Randolph II, Chamberlain Randolph, Arabella Randolph all of Denver, brothers Ralph (Janet) Showalter of Rocky Ford, Richard (Joni) Hornbeck of Montrose, Colorado, sister Mary Morrill of Lone Tree, Colorado.
He was preceded in death by his parents Margaret and Earl Showalter, Jr.
Memorial Contributions can be made in honor of Roy to the Faith Community Church at PO Box 565 Swink, Colorado 81077
Arrangements have been entrusted to the loving care of the Johnson-Romero Family Funeral Home. A Viewing will be held at 10:00 A.M. followed by an 11:00 A.M. funeral service Friday May 1, 2026 at the Faith Community Church in Swink, Colorado. A Committal Service will be held following the services at the Rocky Ford Cemetery.
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Previous Events
Service
1
May
565
Swink, CO 81077
A Viewing will be held at 10:00 A.M. followed by an 11:00 A.M. funeral service Friday May 1, 2026 at the Faith Community Church in Swink, Colorado. A Committal Service will be held following the services at the Rocky Ford Cemetery.
Cemetery Details
Location
27980 County Road 20
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
Faith Community Church
Swink, CO 81077
Faith Community Church
Swink, CO 81077
