Earl Dean Lloyd

Born April 7, 1937, on a farm in Carrington, ND to Thomas Lloyd and Pauline A. (O’Brien) Lloyd. His family moved to Oshkosh, WI when Earl was 17 years old. Soon after, he enlisted in the US Army. He began his Army career as an auto mechanic and parts specialist, then was promoted to supply sergeant, and served in this capacity with Engineering, Artillery, Counter Intelligence and JAG School Units. He served in Vietnam, Korea, Thailand, Germany and Belgium, as well as stateside assignments. He retired after 20 years of service with the rank of SFC, E-7. His decorations include: 2 Bronze Stars, the Meritorious Service Metal, and 3 Army Commendation Metals. During his time in the service Earl, worked off duty in a craft shop, and also taught leather working and wood shop classes. His last assignment was in Belgium’s NATO headquarters where he began his horse harness work. He frequently traveled to Britain to learn the trade from their experts. After retiring from the Army, Earl continued his leather harness work and became a self-taught horse carriage restorer. He opened Lloyd's Harness and Carriage Shop. Earl was very modest about his skills but he completed carriage restoration and made harnesses for some of the top drivers in the US. He used to say, “I’m lucky the tools fit my hands.” He covered over 500 horse collars for the famous harness maker, Smuckers of PA, and some of Earl’s best collars are in the Dinwiddie Lampton Museum in PA. Some of his carriage restorations are in the Maymont Carriage Collection in Richmond, and also the Morven Park Carriage Museum in Leesburg.

Earl’s love of the equestrian world started as a young boy when he rode his pony to school. He drove a buggy at 8 years old and continued to do so in his later years. Earl was often seen driving his horse drawn carriages at local parades, weddings and other events.

Earl was hardworking and creative. He was always willing to go the extra mile for his friends, neighbors, and strangers as well. He was generous in loaning his time, talents and tools. A mentor to many, and a friend to all.

Earl is survived by Charlotte Ann (Sabott) Lloyd, his loving wife of 65 years. They had two sons, Michael L. Lloyd (deceased 2020) of Charlottesville, VA, and Robert E. Lloyd, of Charlottesville, VA, a granddaughter, Emily Buennmeyer and four great grandchildren: Zachary, Brayden, Eve and Morgan. His five siblings: Janice Clark, WA; Connie Peterson (Gordon), WA; Carmen Claypool, OH; David Lloyd, WI and Tom Lloyd (Pam), WI.

Earl will be laid to rest in the Bethesda Welsh Cemetery Oshkosh, WI.