He joined the United States Air Force in 1954 achieving the rank of Tech Sargent and was honorably discharged in 1963.
On October 17, 1964, he married Mary Jo Verlinden of Tipton, Missouri.
He took the knowledge and skills he gained serving in the United States Air Force becoming a mechanic at TWA where he worked in aircraft maintenance. Earl’s consistent attention to detail, work ethic, and commitment to quality, eventually led him to the role of supervisor at the overhaul base in Kansas City, MO. He retired in 1992 after working for twenty-eight years.
He joined the Air National Guard in 1983, retiring in 1994 with twenty years of military service, which included two years overseas during Operation Desert Storm.
Earl was committed to his faith and serving the Lord. He stood by his strong convictions and was a generous giver of his time, talent, and treasure, at St. Andrews Catholic Church and other catholic charities for over 50 years. He was extremely proud of his children and grandkids. Earl was known to be a tinkerer and always working on things.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his granddaughter, Grace Frederick; as well as, four of six brothers and sisters.
He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-five years; children, Matt (Laura) Pittman, Julie (Christopher) Wise, Dan (Susan) Pittman, and Annette Frederick; grandchildren, Lauren, Michael, Alex, Ana, Olivia, Ellie, Ryan, Jonathan, Adam, and Shawn; and great-grandchildren, Camille, Caroline, Adela, and Veronica.
The Mass of Christian Burial for Earl will be held Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at 11:00 AM, with Visitation starting 10:00 AM, at St. Andrews Catholic Church 6415 NE Antioch Road, Gladstone, MO.
