Samuel Howard Earl

Kankakee, IL- Samuel H. “Nitty” Earl, 63, formerly of Racine, passed away in Kankakee, IL on Thursday, December 20, 2007. Samuel was born in Enterprise, MS on November 24, 1944 to Samuel and Etha (nee: Kidd) Earl. He received his education in Mississippi, graduating from Central High School. Samuel professed his faith with Wesley Chapel in Enterprise, MS, and constantly worked at leading a life that reflected his belief in God. Samuel moved to Racine in the late 1960’s to begin his employment with the JI Case Company. He remained in Racine for many years until moving to Kankakee, IL several years ago. Nitty was a very strong minded individual who worked hard on maintaining full dedication to his families. Samuel was a man with multi-talents and was a great mathematician as well as an entrepreneur. He was loved and respected by many. Samuel had a way inspiring anyone he came in contact with. He had his share of ups and downs, but he continued to fight the battles of life’s challenges. Sunset came for Samuel Earl in the early morning hours of December 20, 2007, signaling an end to his earthly life and beginning his eternal life in Heaven. Surviving are his wife, Annie Ruth (nee: Lockridge) Earl of Kankakee, IL; his children, Geneva Askew of Racine, WI; Annie Menifield of Joliet, IL; Dorothy Earl of Kankakee, IL; Octavia (Quentin Williams) Earl-Williams of University Park, IL; Samone Earl of Plainfield, IL; Samuel Earl Jr., Isaiah Earl, Sakiya Earl and Kayla Earl, all of Kankakee, IL; additional beloved children, Kisha McElroy, Keekee McElroy, Terry McElroy, Pierre McElroy, Johnny McElroy and Quita Avante; 22 cherished grandchildren; sisters, Gloria McCray and Kathy (Frank) Earl, both of Racine, WI; brothers, Harold Earl of Milwaukee, WI and Willie Earl of Tupelo, MS; and special friends, Diane McElroy, Charles Trotter and Qwendeline Avante. Further surviving are a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends too numerous to mention by name. Samuel was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Etha (nee: Kidd) Earl; sisters, Sharon “Delores” Earl and Carolyn Earl; brothers, Morris Earl and Virdie Lee Earl; and by grandchildren, Shynetrous Menifield-Earl, JyNasia Menifield-Earl, and Renee Curtis-Earl. Homegoing services will be celebrated in the funeral home on Thursday, December 27, 2007 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Jimmie A. Lockridge officiating. Private burial will take place at a later date. Viewing will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 11 am – 1 pm.