William Robert Earle Jr

William Robert Earle, Jr. passed away on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at home surrounded by his family. He was born on March 10, 1930 in Pontiac, Michigan to the late William and Leah (nee Huffman) Earle, Sr.

He proudly served in the Navy for four years and received the National Defense Service Medal while stationed at the Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. After returning home, he married Joan (nee Bradley) in 1955 and was blessed with 71 years of marriage.

Elyria, Ohio was home for 64 years and he spent his career as a mechanical engineer and traveled the world to many countries to put in manufacturing machines.

He loved learning new things and was an avid reader and enjoyed the accomplishment of completing crosswords and puzzles.

He is survived by his wife, Joan; five children, Leah (Jerry) Welsh, William C. (Gail) Earle, Mark (Kathy) Earle, Susan (David) Webb and Mary (Thomas) Earle-Sminchak; nine grandchildren, Wendy (Sam), Nicole (Ben), Bobby Jo (Mike), Rachael (Ken), Russell (Jen), Amber (Drew), Elizabeth (Josh), Samuel (Colleen) and Erin; fifteen great grandchildren, Trischin, Meadow, Dillion, Wesley James, Seamus, Hunter, Anna, Charlotte, Juniper, Milo, William, James, Delaney, Forrest and Alexandra.

He was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Charles and Pauline Bradley; sister, Ruth and Finley Crowe; and brother-in-law, Charles Bradley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post 12 in Elyria, Ohio.

Friends and loved ones will be received on Monday, March 2, 2026 from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm at Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home at 327 Cleveland Street, Elyria, OH with the Funeral Service immediately following to be Officiated by Fr. Jose of St. Jude Church at 12:00 Noon. Interment will be at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio with Military Honors at 2:15 pm.

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