A proud Veteran, Earl served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1989, achieving the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. His military career included training in San Angelo, TX, and subsequent postings across the globe from Ramstein Air Base in Germany to Iraklion Air Station in Greece, a year in South Korea, culminating at Fort Meade Maryland, where he worked for the National Security Agency as a Communications Supervisor/Analyst.
Following his military service, Earl transitioned to Civilian life, where he continued to impact his community through various roles. He worked at Grizzley Creek Sourdough as a baker and later worked at Columbine Care Center East/Lemay Avenue Health and Rehab in housekeeping. He also earned degrees in Business Management and teaching History.
His deep faith in Jesus was his cornerstone, Earl was a devout Christian who cherished Bible studies and embodied the joy of his beliefs in his everyday interactions. He was known for his unique humor, often sharing jokes that brought smiles to many. He enjoyed spending time with his wife of 58 years, cooking alongside his daughter, Karen, with whom he loved to explore new recipes, and numerous hobbies, such as reading, movies, working puzzles, and adding to his joke repertoire.
Earl is survived by his loving wife, Sharon Smith; daughter, Karen Smith; "unofficially adopted" daughter, Joyful Rothe; beloved cat, Toby; sister-in-law, Brenda Smith; nephew and his wife, Dustin and Ange Smith and their sons, Simon and Caleb; nephew, Chad Smith; niece and her husband, Jennifer and Chris Braunsroth and sons, Dylon, Austin, and Colton; nephew and his wife, Jason and Jennifer Land, their daughter, Katie and their son, Garret; niece, Dawnna Puls and nephew, Joshua Puls.
He was preceded in death by parents, John D. Smith and Evelyn C. Smith; his uncle, Chester E. Crewe; brother, Daniel C. Smith; sister-in-law, Debra Hartley and brother-in-law, Edward Puls.
Earl will be deeply missed by all who loved and cared for him, and all who were subjected to his warped sense of humor and jokes.
A Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 29, 2024 at Allnutt Funeral Service-Hunter Chapel, 2100 N. Lincoln Ave., Loveland. Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Ft. Logan National Cemetery, 4400 W. Kenyon Ave., Denver.
Please visit allnuttloveland.com to share memories and condolences with Earl's family.
