Kenneth Charles Showalter, 77, passed away in his home in Morgantown Thursday, June 4, 2026. Ken was born in Boulder, Colo. April 9, 1949, a son to the late Lester and Helen Lite Showalter.
He attended Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colo., where he met the love of his life, Donna Connelly Showalter. Ken and Donna were married in 1970 in Asbury Park, N.J., and shared a wonderful life together over the next 56 years.
After graduating from Fort Lewis College, the couple moved to Eugene, Ore., where Ken completed his post-doctorate fellowship at The University of Oregon. They eventually moved to Morgantown, where Ken embarked on a 40-year career as a chemistry professor at West Virginia University.
Ken’s research focused on chemical waves, nonlinear dynamics, and physical chemistry, lecturing at conferences around the world including England and Germany. He found great fulfillment working with both colleagues and students. Kind and caring, he mentored countless chemistry and physics students in their research. He even helped organize a hands- on research school for physics students from around the world.
He found great joy exploring new cities around the world and loved sharing stories of culture, food, architecture, and the people he met throughout his travels. Ken was a life-long learner who remained curious about science and the underlying nature of the natural world. He always had a new scientific understanding to share.
Ken was a master of “Dad jokes” and a wonderful storyteller. His conversation and wonder will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Ken is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Donna Showalter; his son, Paul Showalter; and his daughter, Julia Showalter; his grandchildren, Ben and Olliver; as well as numerous friends and colleagues around the world.
We love you and miss you, Dad.
A memorial service at the WVU Chemistry Dept. will be held later this fall, with details and service times updated at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com
