SPRINGFIELD, IL - Uncle Herbie, 61, of Springfield, was called to join his parents and sister on Friday, June 5, 2020, at Memorial Medical Center.

Herb was born October 28, 1958, in Springfield, the son of Doris (Shull) and William "Bill" Earl Sr. They preceded him in death, as well as his beloved little cowboy, Andrew Willhite; his sister, Ella Willhite; and his grandparents. He married Debra Mann on August 25, 1990, and they later divorced amicably and remained friends until the end.

He attended Harvard Park, Stuart, and Iles Grade Schools, Washington Middle School, and graduated from Springfield Southeast High School in 1976. Shortly after high school, he entered the U.S. Army where he served tours in the 7 ^th Infantry Division, 101 ^st Airborne Division, and the 93 ^rd Infantry Brigade in the Panama Canal Zone.  He also served active duty in the U.S. Army Reserves 303 ^rd Ordinance Group in Springfield.  He received the Army Commendation Medal and the Army Good Conduct Medal.  He exited the Army as a Sergeant E-5.

He was always a workaholic since becoming Springfield's youngest paper carrier at the age of 9 and while always doing other gigs at the same time like mowing, shoe shining, and snow removal. He started his food and beverage career at the age of 12 at Gino Fafoglia's Italian restaurant across from the main gate of the Illinois State Fairgrounds. At age 14, he started working at Lu's Home Tavern as a janitor and part-time dishwasher and made that business his passion for most of his life. He served in management positions at the Jailhouse Tavern, Eagles Club, Hardee's, McDonalds, Cowboy's BBQ and Rib Company, Rally's, Route 66 Café, Tokyo of Japan, and his all-time favorite Starship Billiards.

After struggling with the loss of his parents and losing everything he owned, he had a short bout of homelessness. He later was hired by the State Journal-Register as a part-time Provisional Mailer in March 2005 and was hired full-time 11 months later.  Two weeks after that, he was hired full-time with the State of Illinois, Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation.  He continued to work full-time at both jobs for 8 months until he realized that his passion was with the State, helping people with disabilities to live, learn, and work independently.

He was a life member and 3-time Past President of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, Aerie #437, where he also held most local offices and served several terms as a State Chairman.  He had served many years as a Democrat Precinct Committeeman and was elected as President of the Woodside Township Democrats.  He was the organizer of the first ever Springfield Southeast High School All Class Bash in 2010 and several more to follow. He was also a member of the Illinois and National Rehabilitation Associations and served as a state board member and also President of the local chapter.

He was an extremely avid St. Louis Cardinal fan and cheered loudly for them, along with the former St. Louis Rams, and the Fighting Illini.

He is survived by his son, Andrew; brother, William "Billy" Earl; former sisters-in-law, Robin and Kelly; nephews, Donnie and Derek Willhite; nieces, Nikki Willhite, Emily and Erika Earl; beloved aunt, Janet Esper; dear cousins, Juanita Graves Noe and Larry Esper Jr.; and several other beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins.

Uncle Herbie was extremely loved and admired by his great-nieces and great-nephews, BreAuna, Libby, Hannah, Derek Jr., Dalton, Bryce, Emily, Elyce, Jayden, Naomi, Grace,

Wyatt, Autumn Rose, Aurora Jean, Karleigh, and Jett, in addition to his great-great-nieces, Harper and Elaina.

A private family graveside service will be held at Camp Butler National Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Department of Defense.

A social distancing Celebration of Life will be held from 1 – 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 3217 Lake Plaza Dr., Springfield, IL 62702, with a time of remembrance to be held at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Herbie Earl Go Fund Me or to the family c/o Emily Earl 1401 S. State St. Springfield, IL 62704

The family encourages guests to wear St. Louis Cardinals or red attire.