Earl Robert Shadle's Obituary
Earl Robert Shadle Sr.
Born: October 21, 1923 Died: June 16, 2014
Our beloved patriarch passed away peacefully to be with the Lord on Monday, June sixteenth.
Born in Tacoma, he was the eldest son of Clyde Henry Shadle and Emily Edith Barkell. He began his walk with Christ at a young age attending Church services and Sunday school regularly. He later became a member of Calvary Baptist, becoming a Deacon and a faithful servant of his beloved Church and friends.
Attending Lincoln High School, he casually met a neighbor, Eva June O’Brien, who would become his wife and the love of his life. Drafted in WWII, he and Eva were married on November 26, 1943 while on Furlough. Overseas he proudly served his country with the Army band entertaining troops in northern Africa and southern Europe. He had learned to play the Sousaphone and Tuba in junior and senior high schools. He also served in the Washington National Guard for three years.
He spent his entire career, nearly forty years, working as a Customer Service Manager for Sears Roebuck. He was a devoted, dedicated and tireless employee with the company he loved.
His love of music and playing an instrument led him to join the Tacoma Banjo Club in 1985 as a tuba player. He enjoyed playing with the group bringing smiles to people who loved their songs. But mostly he cherished the lasting friendships he made with his fellow musicians. Later in life he discovered the computer. He spent many hours on his laptop reading and sending emails to friends and family. It brought him much joy and laughter.
Of all the families and relationships he made and loved here on earth none were more important and dear to his heart than the family he and Eva created together. During their seventy plus years of marriage they enjoyed a wonderful married life filled with travel, adventures, discovering new places and faces. They were constant devoted companions, always holding hands, but time spent with family was most precious to them both, family always came first.
His lasting legacy of ninety years should serve as an example of any son, husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was loved by all in return.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters and two brothers. He is survived by his wife Eva; daughter Patty (Walt) Doellefeld, sons Rob(Sharon) Shadle, Tim (Laura) Shadle, and daughter Ginny (Ron) Fleming; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank the nursing and entire staff at Meridian Hills Assisted Living for their wonderful, loving care. Also Franciscan Hospice for their good and thoughtful service.
A private graveside service will be held Monday, June twenty third, 2:30 pm at Mountain View Memorial Park.
A “Celebration of Life” Memorial service will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, 6511 So “C” Street, Tacoma, on Monday June thirtieth at 2:00 pm.
What’s your fondest memory of Earl?
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Share a story where Earl's kindness touched your heart.
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