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Obituary for Stephen Otis Earl
Stephen Otis Earl, 67, of Belleville, IL, passed away on Jan 9, 2021 at Deaconess Midtown Hospital in Evansville, IN. His battle with serious medical issues in recent years showed his courage in facing life challenges with a smile, big heart, and stayed strong until the end. Stephen was born in Fresno California on July 12, 1953 the son of Carl and Georgia (Odum) Earl.   He grew up in Arkansas and graduated from Green Forest High School in 1971. Stephen joined the military in 1973 and faithfully served his Country in the United States Air Force, where he had twenty years of service. He retired at Scott AFB, IL in 1993 and was a proud veteran and patriot. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. After his retirement from the military, he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity helping build houses, and volunteered at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Belleville, IL with his wife Marcia. Stephen was a loving husband to his wife and loved his kids dearly with all his heart.  He was a proud parent and grandparent to ten grandkids and was very active in their events and activities. Stephen loved collecting eagle statues and eagle pictures.  Stephen is survived by his mother, Georgia Mildred Earl (Odum); sister, Gloria Taylor of Harrison, Arkansas; daughter, Stephanie Earl of McKinney, TX; sons, Aaron Earl of Ownesville, IN and Jason (Christy) Earl of Mt. Carmel; grandchildren, Jordan Earl of McKinney, TX, Christian Earl of Salem, AR, Trent Earl of Owensville, IN, Izabell Earl, James Earl and Emily Earl of Mt. Carmel, IL, Katie Earl of Helsinki, Finland, Krystyn Madison, Karter Earl, and Kynzyngtyn Earl of Owensville, IN.  Stephen was preceded in death by his sister, Carol Lynn Kelley; father, Carl Otis Earl; brother, Michael Wayne Earl; and his wife, Marcia Kathleen Earl. In keeping with Stephen’s wishes, cremation will take place and a private family Memorial Service will be held in Harrison, Arkansas.  A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2021 at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO where his wife, Marcia Kathleen Earl, who preceded him in death will be buried with him.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the following in memory of Stephen https://www.diabetes.org/ or https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/. Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Stephen’s tribute wall and leave condolences for the Earl family, please visit www.keepesfuneralhome.com.
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Services are private.
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