Earl "Sarge" Sherwood McAninch

Earl Sherwood McAninch, of Kokomo, Indiana passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024, at his residence. Earl was a special Leap Year baby who finally celebrated his 21st birthday! He was born to Clayton and Wauneda McAninch in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 29, 1940. As a child, many of his summers were spent with his Grandma and Grandpa Frederick working on their tobacco farm in Middleburg, Kentucky.

On November 22, 1958, Earl married Janet Layton, who would be the love of his life for 65 years. In addition to marrying Janet in 1958, Earl began his military career. After completing Basic and Military Police training, Earl went on to complete "Jump School" and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in the European Theater on Grafenwohr Military Base, Germany. While serving in Germany, Earl was a member of the All-Army Championship basketball team in 1960. Earl then served with the 249th MP Detachment at Camp Humphrey, South Korea.

After the family's stateside return and out-processing at Fort Knox, Earl put his MP training to good use as a highway patrolman in Fayette County, Kentucky, followed by work as a motorcycle patrolman in Davey County, Florida (where at least one CHiPs worthy pursuit ended with Earl and his police Harley in a canal). The McAninch family returned to Kokomo, where Earl worked at Chrysler, the Indianapolis Star, and the Kokomo Tribune. While at the KT, Earl became the Circulation Manager.

In the mid-1970s, Earl continued his military career as a traditional soldier in the Indiana Army National Guard and as a Federal Technician. In 1980, Earl completed Advanced Non-Commissioned Officer Course (ANCOC) where he was the Distinguished Honor Graduate. Earl was most proud of serving his country, side by side, with his sons and son-in-law in the Indiana Army National Guard in Kokomo. During the regular work week, Earl managed the tool room at the Stout Field Maintenance Shop in Indianapolis. While at monthly drills, Earl was one of the top retention NCOs in the state, earning many awards. Earl retired as an E-7, Sargent First Class with 28 years total service, and 20 years of service as a Federal Technician; a legacy where, not only did his sons and son-in-law serve with him, all of them followed his example, serving 20-30 years each.

While Earl was a hard-working family man, he was ever the jokester, known to always have a new joke at the drop of a hat. Earl really enjoyed his Wabash River catfishing trips and racoon hunting with Uncle Mark Layton (to earn extra money to buy the kids Christmas). During the Bobby Knight years, Earl was a diehard IU basketball fan and a longtime Jeff Gordon and NASCAR racing fan. He spent a number of years on the American Legion Post 6 golf course. Earl loved competing in the weekday shootouts at the golf course and whoopin' his sons and grandson during weekend rounds of golf.

Earl is survived by his four children: Vincent (Jenny) McAninch, Dale (Heather) McAninch, Darren McAninch, Michelle (Brian) Legan; grandchildren, Angie Pentland, Matthew Legan, Lance Ashcraft, Diana (Matt) Davis, Megan (Logan) McCauley, Morgan (Ora) Etchison, Breanna (Quinton) Young, and Kasey Trine, great-grandchildren; Keegan and Kyle Paul, Julian Hernandez, Jordan Rezabek, Layla Ashcraft, Miles and Maxwell Etchison, Evelyn and Sophie Davis, Elaina and Griffin McCauley, and Quinlee Young, siblings; Shirlene Merida and Butch Freeman, brothers-in-law; Jaques LaRose and Mark Layton; sisters-in-law; Barb Wethington and Mary Ann Grisamer, and several nieces and nephews.

Earl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janet; parents, Clayton McAninch and Wauneda (Harmon) Austin; sisters; Donna Freeman and Julia LaRose, brothers-in-law; Dan Merida, Kenny Layton, and Johnny Layton, and great grandson, Vinny Young.

The family extends our sincere thanks to the ladies from Anew Hospice services and our cousin, Jaime Handy for all of her help in taking care of our parents' arrangements.

There will be a time of visitation for Earl on Friday, March 15, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the time of service at noon at Ellers Mortuary Webster Chapel, 3400 S. Webster, Kokomo. Pastor Steven Archer will be officiating. Burial will follow in Nevada Cemetery with full military rites performed by the United States Army and VFW Post 1152 Military Rites Team. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ellersmortuarywebster.com for the McAninch family.