Earl was drafted into the United States Army during the Korean War and served his country honorably for 4 years. Following his enlistment, Earl returned to New Castle and was married to the love of his life, Nila (Dyer) Lee. Nila preceded Earl in passing on December 21, 2002. Earl found work at Chrysler of Kokomo as a toolmaker and worked there for 32 years, retiring in 1987.
Earl was a man of several hobbies, which included guitar playing, woodworking, golfing, bowling, and filling out crossword puzzles. He and his family enjoyed taking camping trips to the Smoky Mountains. Earl was a terrific family man, and was always there for them whenever help was needed.
Earl is survived by his children, Sheila Cotham, Jane (Don) Morrow, and Daya (Steve Harshman) Lee; daughter-in-law, Gloria Reagan; brother, Bill (Ollie) Lee; sister-in-law, Betty Jo Lee; grandchildren, Larry Reagan Jr., Amy Roberson, Jami Lynn Hamel, Holly Sparks, Earl Ray Dalton, Danell Gedek, Steven White, Kylie Spencer, Beth Longstreet, and Jordan Lee; and several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
In addition to his wife and parents, Earl was preceded in death by his sons, Garry Reagan and Larry Reagan; brothers, Bob Lee, Dennis Lee, Lowell Lee, Randall Lee, Jack Lee, and Danny Lee; sister, Marg Southard; grandchildren, Gary Wayne Guffey and Nikki Hensley; and great-great granddaughter, Harper Haskett.
There will be a private family service for Earl at a later date at Sunset Memory Garden Funeral Home.
Earl's family would like to acknowledge the nurses and staff at Wellbrooke of Kokomo for the loving care that they gave to Earl during his final days.