Lewis Allen Earl

Lewis A. Earl passed away peacefully on February 27th, 2021 at the age of 92. He was born July 14, 1928 (a birthdate of doubles) in Dowling, Michigan, the son of Fern "Leola" Ketcham and Octa Earl. He lived the first 14 years of his life with his maternal grandparents, Byron & Candace Ketcham, on their Dowling farm. During his formative years, he attended the local country schools, graduating from Hastings High School in 1945. He traveled the lst year after high school, going to auctioneer's school, visiting Texas, etc.

He worked at Kellogg's in Battle Creek for the next 15 years. Then he quit to purchase his mom's and step-dad, Paul Biven's, dairy farm. His great love was farming, raising cattle, and living close to nature. He also purchased another farm also located on Hutchinson Rd. He had the house remodeled and lived in residence there.

Lewis liked racing cars and motorcycles in his younger years. He was also an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and walking through the woods to view the wonders of nature. He spent time "big game" hunting in Canada, hunting bear, moose, etc.

In 1975, his life changed! On December 27th, he married Norma Hammond Gilmore. They were married for 45 years and he transitioned from single to married status. He had dated her in his teens and in his own words, "had waited all his life for her". Together they ventured into Arabian horses, having stallions at stud, breeding, showing, and racing at Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. He even got his trainer's license to participate in this adventure. They had many champions in all fields and Lu-Nor Arabians was created.

He earned a Lifetime milk award from the Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) in 1979 and after 60 years of farming, sold his dairy farm in 1991. Lewis then milked for LaDine Bivens and Hammond farms for many years, plus helped with the horses.

Lewis is preceded in death by his parents, Leola (Paul) Bivens and Octa Earl; brother, Otis Earl; sister-in-laws Nan and Agnus Earl; step-brother, Laverne Bivens; step-daughter, Sharon Gilmore; and brother-in-law, Doug Daniels. Surviving are his wife, Norma Earl; brother, Bill (Nancy) Bivens; sister, Candice Daniels; sister-in-law, Erdine Bivens; step-daughter, Marda (Rich Manning) Gilmore; step-son, Michael (Pam Green) Gilmore; step-daughter, Teresa (Barry McDiarmid) Gilmore Pash; step-grandchildren: Kelsey Trojan, Nicole Gilmore, Julie Gilmore, Brooke (Thomas) Momenee, Paige Smith, Sara (Joe) Gorman, Kyle (Jessica) Pash, and Anna Pash, as well as many step-greatgrandchildren.

Services will be held at Pleasantview Family Church, 2601 Lacey Rd, Dowling, MI 49050 on March 4th, Thursday. Visitation is at 10 a.m. Service is at 11 a.m. and a luncheon following. Radio attendance in the church parking lot is also available by tuning to FM 96.7. Donations in Lewis Earl's name can be made to St. Jude Children Research Hospital. Cards to the family can be mailed to: 641 E. Grant St., Hastings, MI 49058.  Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .