Allan Marshall Showalter

Allan Marshall Showalter, a man of profound intellect, unwavering kindness, and a devoted husband and father, passed away on Monday, March 2, 2026, in Athens, Ohio. He was 69 years old.

Allan was born November 23rd, 1956, in Pottstown, Pennsylvania to loving parents, Evelyn and Marshall “Bud” Showalter. Allan and his brother Keith grew up in Pennsylvania where Allan went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Biology at Franklin & Marshall College in 1978. From there, he moved to New Jersey where he attended Rutgers Medical School and attained a Doctor of Philosophy in Biochemistry in 1983. It was during his time in graduate school in New Jersey that Allan was introduced to his future wife Carol. Over the next few years their love blossomed and they were married in 1986.

That year, Allan joined the faculty of Ohio University as a professor and dedicated over 39 years there to the pursuit of knowledge and sharing his wisdom with others. As an inspiring professor of Environmental and Plant Biology at Ohio University, he didn’t just teach; he mentored, challenged, and uplifted countless students with a rare blend of brilliance and patience. With his research he was world-renowned for his lab’s work making key discoveries to decipher the intricacies of the plant cell wall.

Beyond excelling in teaching and research, he found great joy in being active and traveling the world. Some of his favorite hobbies included cycling, engaging in a spirited match of tennis, walking his golden retriever, Ranger, and exploring local cultures, sights, and cuisine around the world with family and friends. Of all the places his travels took him, Kauai held a special place in his heart. He loved the breathtaking hikes around the island and enjoying a tropical cocktail by the beach.

Allan was devoted to his family, and always provided support, warmth, stability and, most of all, endless love for them. To know Allan was to know the comfort and great happiness he brought to others. He was the family’s steady anchor and often loved to laugh and lighten the mood with his signature "Dad" jokes and a sense of humor that remained a source of light for everyone who knew him. Above all, he was a man who lived to care for others, finding his greatest happiness in taking care of his wife, three kids, his beloved grandchildren and nieces and nephews.

Allan’s legacy of love and laughter is carried on by his devoted wife, Carol Showalter; his children, Jacqueline, Christian and daughter-in-law Jessica, and Alexander Showalter and fiancé Libby; his two cherished grandchildren Emery and Everett Showalter; his brother Keith and sister-in-law Vicky Showalter; his nieces and nephews.

Allan, it is indescribable how much of a positive impact you were for so many in our family and in our community and we will all miss you immensely. The enormity of your loss will be felt forever. You provided an unmatched strength that we relied on through tough times and sagelike insights and advice to guide us through. We will always hold on to the many, many, many beautiful happy moments we had the great honor of sharing with you and the timeless life lessons you imparted upon us. We thank you dad for all the words of wisdom, the adventures, the hugs, your caring, thoughtful, and nurturing nature, and your limitless love you shared with us. We are all better people for you being in our lives and you will forever be in our hearts.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Hughes Funeral Home, 168 Morris Avenue, Athens, OH 45701, where family and friends are invited to celebrate Allan’s remarkable life on Saturday, March 7th, 2026, from 2PM – 4PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of Allan to any of the Athens Food Bank (via this link) & The Carter Center (via the funeral home website). You are invited to sign the online guestbook or leave the family a message of sympathy at www.ehwfh.com.