With the passing of Earl Louis Linville on August 11, 2021, his family and friends recognize that a true gentleman has gone home to be with his Lord. His smile, quick wit, and big heart have been beautifully woven through our memories of his life to be celebrated on August 24, 2021, at 11am at The Forest Club, 400 North Forest Boulevard, Lake Mary, Florida.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on March 13, 1936, he was the second of six children and spent his childhood in Glencoe, Minnesota. Earl was known for practical jokes such as starting all the tractors in the implement lot on the way to school and moving outhouses in the dark of night. He lettered in basketball and track and after graduation, enlisted in the Navy.

In 1958, Earl met and married the love of his life, Darlene Scharf. They raised three children and were married nearly 63 years. When asked how to know you've met the person you should marry, he said, "You'll know when making them happy is more important than pleasing yourself." He and Darlene believed that the ingredients for a long, happy marriage are faith, commitment and plenty of humor.

In his professional life, Earl worked for several large manufacturing companies mostly in the areas of purchasing and inventory management. His goals in navigating the career world were to maintain a proper work/life balance and conduct himself with personal integrity. When he made tough decisions about career changes or accepting promotions, his children were not aware of the details, but they did know that he was always home for dinner.

After working and raising their family in the Midwest, Earl and Darlene retired, traveled the United States by RV and settled in Florida. He delighted in his 11 grandchildren and soon-to-be 13 great-grandchildren treasuring the funny stories and quotes of each one. He always had an encouraging word and truly lived with a "glass half-full" mentality.

In his later years, Earl pursued a deeper relationship with the Lord, attending Bible foundations classes and building relationships in his church family. Even when his health began to decline, he loved being in church and made every effort to get there on Sunday morning. He commented that he was getting excited about going to heaven and spending eternity with the Lord.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donation be made in Earl's name to: Lake Mary Church Student Ministries, P.O. Box 953651, Lake Mary, FL 32795

The family of Earl Louis Linville invites you to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in his loving memory.