Obituary of Joshua Wayne Earls
Joshua Wayne Earls was born on April 16, 1979 in Monroe, Michigan. He was the eldest of two children born to Ronald and Joan (Reece) Earls. Josh graduated from Jefferson High School with the Class of 1998 and continued his education at Northwood University.
For eight years, Josh was employed as an overhead crane operator at Great Lakes Steel before medically retiring in 2012. He was a member of the Monroe Lodge 27 Free and Accepted Masons.
Josh was a movie buff but enjoyed nothing more than watching “The Sopranos” television drama, which he had seen complete more than a dozen times. He enjoyed playing classic board games, such as Chess and Backgammon, along with his friend, Nick. In his youth, Josh spent time jet skiing on Lake Erie and cruising around on his “crotch rocket” motorcycle.
More than anything, Josh loved spending time with his best friend and namesake, his son: Joshua David. They often challenged each other to video games on their PlayStation. Beating his son at a game brought Josh great joy along with bragging rights. He also cherished time spent playing with his young nieces. Although Josh was an introvert, until he warmed up to somebody, he was extremely generous and was willing to help anyone in need. A practical joker, he was well-known for his wit and sarcasm.
Joshua Wayne Earls, age 43, of Petersburg, Michigan passed away unexpectedly on Friday; October 21, 2022. His passing was preceded by his paternal grandparents: Tip and Evelyn Earls; a maternal grandfather: Drewry Reece; and four uncles: John Reece, Jody Reece, David Reece, and Jeffrey Reece.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his son: Joshua David Earls; parents: Ron and Joan Earls; a sister: Crystal Laney; two nieces: Adalyn Laney and Bryer Laney; his grandmother: Patricia McMurry; a former spouse: Nikki Ward; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends may gather on Wednesday; October 26, 2022 from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, Dundee; 297 Tecumseh Street, Dundee, Michigan 48131 (734) 529-3156. A Celebration of Josh’s Life will be held at 6:00pm also at Merkle’s. Cremation will take place through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.
Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.