Earl French

Earl French

November 13, 1931 - August 26, 2017

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~~Earl Junior French, 85, of Westfield, IN passed away on August 26, 2017. Earl was born in Crawfordsville, IN on November 13, 1931 to the late Earl D. and Mary E. (Gooding) French. As a young man, Earl's early employment was for the railroad swinging a hammer and driving spikes. Later, he went on to work for the Farm Bureau COOP as a Grain Elevator Manager at Whitesville Elevator in Whitesville, IN for most of his career; he then moved to the Main Office in Crawforsdville, IN up until retirement after 40+ years working for COOP. Earl proudly and bravely served our country and state in the US Army Reserves in Waveland, IN and for the  Indiana Army National Guard in Crawfordsville, IN retiring as a Sergeant First Class. Earl gave much of himself by helping others in the community and was a member of several fraternal, municipal and charitable organizations. He was a member of the Crawfordsville Jaycees, South Montgomery School Board and the Browns Valley Christian Church. He enjoyed playing golf, watching all kinds of sports and was an avid St. Louis Cardinal Fan. Earl like to play softball and his daughter Paula remembers him lovingly coaching one season. As a young man, Earl loved Square Dancing with his beloved wife of 63 years, Ethel Jeannine (Schmall) French, she preceding him in death on February 15, 2016. Earl's greatest joy was traveling with Ethel to watch their daughter play sports through high school, college and summer softball. Earl loved to sing with his daughter to the Statler Brothers and the Oak Ridge Boys music. You always knew when “JR” was around because he was always whistling. Earl was a real people person, warm, loving and full of love.
Earl is survived by his daughter, Paula J. French; and partner, Joy D. Toney; sisters, Betty (Walter) McBee, Rosemary (Allen) Lyon and Linda (Arlie) Thompson. Earl is also preceded in death by one sister, Dorothy Stockdale and his beloved mother and father in-law, Wilbur J. and Virginia A. (Burnam) Schmall.  Graveside Services with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM on November 19, 2017 at Oak Hill Cemetery 392 Oak Hill Rd Crawfordsville, IN 47933. The family kindly ask that memorial contributions be made in Earl's memory to Joy's House Adult Day Service 2028 E Broad Ripple Ave INDIANAPOLIS, IN 46220 (317) 254-0828. To leave the family online condolences or to share a special story or memory about Earl, please visit www.stevensmortuary.net

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Earl
SJ
Sherman Anderson jr
Other •
I wanted to send my deep condolences to your family. I lost my father, and what helped me was the bible. I find it gets many people through hard and difficult times like these. If you get a moment, I encourage you to read Acts 24:15 -"There is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” This is a promised hope for our loved ones. And I encourage you to read in your bible 1 peter 5:6,7 -" throw your anxieties on him. because he loves us." Jehovah cares for us and we can pray to him about out problems. I'm sorry about loosing a loved one, and I hope you find peace.
SS
Suzanne Sauer
Other •
Paula, I was so sorry to read of your father's death. I have so many wonderful memories of riding to your sporting events with your parents. We had so much fun on those car rides. May your memories comfort you as well. Suzanne (Suzy Miller)
KL
Kim Long
Other •
My thoughts and prayers are with Junior's family. He was a wonderful man and I have many great memories. God bless you.
MW
Mary Lou Weliever
Other •
Paula My deepest sympathy to you in your loss of your beloved Dad. Your parents were some of my favorite people to see! Mary Lou Weliever
SJ
Sherman Anderson jr
Other •
My condolences to you and your family. I never knew Mr. French, but he was definitely a hard worker. I lost my father, and I just would like to share what helped me. There's a wonderful promise for the future. In Acts 24:15 it tells us, "there is going to be a resurrection of the righteous, and the unrighteousness.". We can hold on to hope of seeing our loved one again. Drawing to Jehovah God's word, we can gain comfort and strength. I encourage you read the bible, and I'm sorry for the loss of Mr. French.
RW
Rick White
Other •
The first time I remember seeing Jr was during drill Crawfordsville Armory, after I returned from basic training. He was my first, First Sergeant E8 in my military career there and as far as I know everyone liked him, I know I did. He was a man to be respected and set great standards for his men to follow and carry on after he left. Later on I remember seeing him and his daughter. He loved watching her play. He also lived in Waveland for a short period where I would catch up with him and talk for awhile. He will be greatly missed by all, he touched our lives. God speed Jr. Until Valhalla 1SG French, until Valhalla

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