Earl M. Boyer, Jr.

Earl Maurice Boyer, Jr., 69, of Lakeville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at Memorial Hospital, South Bend.

Earl was born on January 11, 1952 in Mishawaka, to Earl Boyer, Sr. and Joyce (Hunt) Boyer.  He grew up in South Bend and was a graduate of Clay High School.

On October 31, 1972, he married his wife Darlene (Kiefer) Boyer. They were members of First Assembly of God Church in Mishawaka for many years and lived together in Granger, Mishawaka and Lakeville.

Earl was known for his strong work ethic and his many years of employment included time as a Steel Worker at Dodge, a Maintenance Supervisor at Our Lady of Holy Cross Convent, and a Truck Driver and Scrapper at various local scrap yards. Earl could point to almost any location in the area and tell a story about stripping out machinery to be recycled or tearing down and moving a building.

Earl was even more widely known for his devotion to his family and friends. He spent many summers with his children camping at Pla-mor and taking his children and grandchildren on trips to Wisconsin Dells, Six Flags, Florida, and Chicago among other places. Earl would give generously to anyone who knew him and would drop anything to help someone in need. It was difficult for him to accept help in return, however, because he never wanted to be a burden to others. He sang and played the accordion in church, he collected zippo lighters, he loved going for a drive with his wife Darlene, and enjoyed taking care of his grandchildren. After the passing of his beloved wife, Earl spent the last years of life with his son at their Lakeville home where they enjoyed driving to McDonald’s for strawberry shakes, taking care of their dogs, listening to podcasts and audiobooks, and watching Smallville, Lark Rise to Candleford, and professional wrestling. Earl Jr. was also a fan of Nascar and the NFL.

Earl is survived by his children, Earl M. Boyer III of Lakeville and Jennifer Ann (Bryan Brown) Boyer of Mishawaka; his grandchildren, Kiersten, Gabriella, Cameron, and Olivia; three brothers, Kenneth Boyer of Wyatt, Michael (Shelly) Boyer of South Bend, and Jerry (Martha) Boyer of Texas; two sisters, Deborah (Lewis) Singleton of South Bend and Christine Boyer of Leiters Ford; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Earl M. Boyer, Sr. and Joyce Boyer and spoke often of being reunited in Heaven with his wife, Darlene Boyer, who also preceded him in death.

Earl was a private person who did not seek attention for himself.  There will be a Private Service honoring his life for his siblings and children and their families in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, Mishawaka, with Earl’s pastor and friend, Brent Sivnksty officiating. Burial will follow in the Bremen Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Potawatomi Zoo or to the family.