September
28,
1937
28,
1937
May
19,
2024
19,
2024
Earl was born at Spencer Hospital in Meadville, PA, on September 28, 1937, one of thirteen children of the late Ellis Lawrence Sr. and Mary Louise Karns. He was the first of his siblings to be born in a hospital.
On February 8, 1964, Earl married Linda L. Mailliard; establishing a legacy together for nearly 47 years. She preceded him in death on February 6, 2011.
He attended the former St. Peter & Paul's Catholic Church and lived his faith at home.
The year following Earl's 1956 graduation from Cochranton High School, he became employed by Erie Lackawanna Railroad/Conrail. During his 38-year career with them he worked as a Fireman, Brakeman, Conductor and Engineer, retiring in 1995. Earl was part owner of K-B Coot Sales (early UT models). Among other clubs, Earl was a member of Moose Lodge #2505, Cochranton, and also a member of the Moose Lodge and Eagles Club in Edgewater, Florida, where he and his wife enjoyed wintering from 1995 until 2008. Earl was not an idle man; he was proud to have helped each of his four daughters establish homes on family land. When a family member or friend was in need, they knew Earl was always ready to help. Earl's favorite pastimes included excavating lands creating ponds, clearing snow, and helping those he was closest to, coining nicknames such as "Earl Mart", "Oil Can", and "Pond Master". Earl had a great sense of humor, and he went all out playing Santa for his family; his pride and joy were his grandchildren. Earl was a man of hard work, great skill, self-sufficiency and had a heart full of love. He will be sadly missed.
Earl is survived by four daughters Barbie Pringle (Jeff), Mary Schmitt (Jeff) both of Cochranton, Dawn Salsberry (Randy) of Meadville, Lisa Hershelman (Jeff), of Saegertown; ten grandchildren Libby, Josie, Emma, Cole, Parker, Austin, Mya, Maddox, Dillon (Maureen), Luke; siblings Rita Bogardus, James Karns (Marcene), Gerald Karns; many nieces and nephews he took in as his own, and cousins.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Earl was preceded in death by siblings Ellis Lawrence "Bud" Jr. , Gaylord, Thomas and Eugene Karns, Neva Ewing, Treva DeMaison, Marjorie Maloney, Mary Washok, and Yvonne Karns.
Family and friends are invited to call from 11 AM-5 PM on Friday, May 24, 2024, at STEPHEN P. MIZNER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES, INC., 404 CHESTNUT ST., MEADVILLE, where Funeral Services will follow at 5 PM with Deacon Ken Reisenweber officiating. Dinner to follow.
If preferred, memorial contributions may be made in Earl's memory to Moose Lodge #2505, 22669 US Hwy. 322, Cochranton, PA 16314, in an effort to enhance handicap accessibility.
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