He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Sandra (Agar), 5 Children, Michelle (and Dr. Barry) Maves, Knoxville, TN; Mark Betts, Waterford, MI; Maureen (and Henry) Jackson, Oxford, ME; Colleen (and Erick) Jensen, Brunswick, ME; Randall (and Anne) Betts, Kalamazoo, MI; and Karen (McClellan) Betts, Howell, MI. He was also the proud “Papa” of 16 grandchildren: Brian, Corey, Amanda, Stefan, Kyia, Alisa, Caldwell, Jared, Grayson, Erica, Ashley, Haley, Sydney, Teigen, Christian, and Rylan, and 1 great grandchild, Jensen Melissa.
He is preceded in death by son Michael and daughter Melissa, his parents Keith and Guiolah (Milspaugh) Betts, and siblings Duane, Richard, Verona, and Maxine.
After graduating from Michigan State University with a Chemical Engineering Degree and completing ROTC, Earl accepted a commission in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Bliss in El Paso, TX. He was an instructor of mobile radar tracking and computer systems designed to detect and track hostile aircraft and guide AJAX missiles to their targets during the Cold War years (the world’s first operational surface to-air missiles). He achieved the rank of Captain and was honorably discharged.
Earl worked for Michigan Bell where he developed early computer systems and retired after 32 years.
He was a devoted family man with a strong, but gentle spirit, and an infectious laugh. He lived a faith-filled life, loved this country, and bled Green and White. Humble and kind, always preferring others to himself, supportive to all in their endeavors, he led by quiet example.
Visitation will be held at 9:30 am prior to the Celebration Mass, 10 am Friday April 28, 2017 at the National Shrine of the Little Flower, Very Rev. Robert Creagan (St. Joseph Parish) officiating. 2100 W. 12 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI. Reception immediately following mass.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial tribute to CHANS Home Health and Hospice of Maine–60 Baribeau Drive, Brunswick, ME 04011 or CARIS Hospice of Tennessee–501 Adesa Blvd, Suite 130, Lenoir City, TN 37771.
Funeral arrangements by Grandview, Maryville, TN. 865-806-8170 http://www.cremationbygrandview.com.
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