Larry “Mike” Bruce Earl, 75, returned to his heavenly home on May 14, 2020. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him with his health issues which ultimately gave him peace.
Mike is survived by his wife Patricia; his son Michael (Jennifer) and his daughter Shannon Vogel; his grandchildren Anthony Bolling, Andrew Earl, Claire-Michael Earl, Cynthia Vogel and Jacob Vogel; and his brothers Steve Earl and Russ Korne. He is proceeded in death by his parents Lloyd and Ruth; his brother Jerry Earl, sisters Ruth Posey and Laura Earl.
Mike was born to the late Lloyd B. Earl and Ruth Earl Anderson in Columbus, OH on December 15, 1944. He graduated from Eastern Michigan University with a degree in Sales and Marketing. He married Patricia Jane Howell, his college sweetheart in 1966. Then he was drafted in 1967 to the United States Army and served in Vietnam as a Sergeant where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star. After serving in the military, he began his sales career and retired from his business, Earl Building Products, Inc. in 2009.
Mike was blessed with a loving family. From the beginning, he dedicated his children to God and encouraged them by example through his love of God. He cherished his family immensely. Mike was a dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He taught his family how to work hard and play hard. He took them on many trips across the country such as camping, fishing, boating and sightseeing the natural beauty of our country. He was delighted in taking his grandsons snow skiing, fishing and on boating trips. Mike also enjoyed traveling with his wife, Pat, on trips and cruises all over the world. He especially loved the trip to Santorini Greece with Pat.
Mike showed unconditional love and support for all. He was actively involved with his church; Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, where he sang in the choir, participated in bible studies, was a youth counselor and a chaperone at the National Youth Conferences. He was involved with Interfaith Hospitality Network and was continuously active on the Church Board. In Florida, he attended Fairway Christian Church where he enjoyed his bible study groups. He was not just a lover of God but a humanitarian. Mike was involved in building Arcs for Heifer International and Habitat for Humanity. He volunteered for the Hurricane Katrina Relief as well as many other service organizations. Mike was always a very generous man with his time and loved to help and serve others.
Mike loved of all sports. He played football in high school and college. He participated in many bowling, softball and volleyball leagues. In 2002, his volleyball team took the Gold Metal during the Huntsman World Games in Utah. Mike also played volleyball at many Senior Olympics Games. He enjoyed playing golf, tennis, pickleball, snow skiing, water skiing, kayaking and bicycling.
The Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held at Eisenhower Recreation Center in The Villages, Florida and at Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren in Dayton, Ohio. Mike will be laid to rest at The Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. The Celebrations of Life and laying to rest will be determined at later dates. Donations can be made to Heifer International at https://fundraise.heifer.org/fundraiser/2768773.
Mike will be greatly missed by his loved ones.
