Danny Lynn Showalter

Danny Lynn Showalter

January 9, 1945 - March 17, 2026

A true Californian, Danny Lynn Showalter was born in Hollywood on January 9, 1945, to the late Major Lee and Irma Evayn Showalter. His sister and brother-in-law, Rita (Showalter) and Wayne Longwith and brother, Jerry Showalter all preceded him in death.

Danny grew up in the San Fernando Valley of CA, and graduated from John H Francis Polytechnic High School (Sun Valley, CA) in 1962. During his high school years, Danny was involved in numerous activities, including boys’ glee club, football, shot put, and wrestling. He also formed a lifelong friendship with Gary Barr (Gardnerville, NV) whom he considered a second brother.

Danny joined the U.S. Naval Reserves in 1966, and spent two years (1967-1969) serving as a Signalman aboard the USS Pitkin County (LST 1082) in Vietnam. As part of the Brown Water Navy, the crew transported troops and supplies along Vietnam’s numerous rivers. Being in the Navy did not protect the crew of LST 1082 from exposure to Agent Orange, which led to Danny’s development of several medical conditions later in life.

Upon returning home, Danny earned a BA in Anthropology from San Fernando Valley State College in 1971, and a MS in Rehabilitation Counseling from San Diego State University in 1978. Once again, Danny found a lifelong friend and third brother in Clifford Hetz (Yuma, AZ). Danny and Cliff formed a deep bond over their shared interests in bones and Aztec athletics. Danny will forever be an “Aztec for Life.”

In March 1980, while living in San Diego, Danny met Marilyn Guffin at a church function. He told her that he believed she would be his lifelong friend, companion, and wife. Five days later, he proposed, she accepted, and on October 4, 1980, they began an impressive 45 years of marriage. 

Following improving career paths, Danny and Marilyn gradually moved north, eventually settling in the greater Sacramento area. In 1993, they welcomed their daughter, Kerry Lynn, into their little family. Kerry was inspired by her father’s passion for archeology and they bonded over everything archeological and historical. Danny was incredibly proud of his daughter and celebrated her achievements as she earned two MS degrees in Archeology and one in Museum Curation. After over three decades of Mainframe Programming for various large corporations, Danny retired in 2007.

Danny’s various interests included playing the accordion and guitar, singing in church choirs, arranging sheet music for the accordion, and recently, 3D printing. With an exceptionally sharp mind, Danny consistently emerged victorious in family Trivial Pursuit matches and was a jigsaw puzzler extraordinaire. Inn 2005, Danny, Marilyn, and Kerry earned their first degree black belts in Taekwondo.

Danny was a proud member of the Missoula, MT chapter of Veterans for Peace and maintained close ties with the chapter after leaving MT. He was also an honored Veteran (with Marilyn as his Guardian) on Honor Flight Syracuse Mission 23 to Washington, D.C. in September 2025.

In the early evening of March 17, 2026, Danny passed away unexpectedly while relaxing in his recliner at home. His big heart simply said, “We’ve had a good run, now it’s time to rest.”

Danny will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him.

In accordance with his wishes, Danny was cremated at the Perkins Funeral Home in Dryden, NY, and he currently resides at home. There will be no public funeral or memorial service.

For charitable contributions in memory of Danny’s life, please consider the following:

• Veterans for Peace, Chapter 133 Western Montana.

Contact Chapter President John Snively (snively@bresnan.net) for details.

• Honor Flight Syracuse (honorflightsyracuse.org/donations).