During the evening of June 8, 2021, the community of Great Falls lost an authentic America hero, one who touched a great many lives over the course of his 89 years.
Clyde B. Showen - known by most as Bill - was born to Vera and Lyle Showen in Great Falls on Sept. 30, 1931. A child of the Depression in every sense, his family was among the first to become residents of the housing complex then known as Parkdale. Bill joined the Air Force in 1951 and served in the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Great Falls Fire Department for 38 years, attaining the rank of captain. Like most firefighters, he also worked many other jobs including at Lumber Yard Supply, the SteinHaus, Bison Motor and Mayflower Transfer. Many houses in Great Falls are sporting roofs installed by Bill and his dear friend, Dan Hunter. Bill was always ready to lend a hand to colleagues, friends, neighbors and family near and far. Many strangers benefited from his immensely generous spirit, too.