Earl Ludwig

Earl D. Ludwig, 75, passed away Tuesday, June 11, 2013, at his home in Jackson.

He was born Sept. 5, 1937, in Jackson, to Willis and Oleda Schoen Ludwig. He and Dorothy A. Statler were married June 28, 1959, in Sedgewickville, Mo. They were married almost 47 years when she passed away May 16, 2006.

Earl was a 1955 graduate of Jackson High School.

He served honorably in the U.S. Air Force from May 31, 1955, to April 30, 1957.

In addition to being a lifelong farmer, Earl's employment included the former Jackson Hosiery Mill and Coca-Cola Bottling Co. in Jackson and 30 years as a service tech at Pitney Bowes, retiring in 1993. After retirement, he was affectionately known as CEO of Grandpa's Woodshop. He was a member of Elks Lodge 639 in Cape Girardeau.

Loving survivors include two children, Greg (Amy) Ludwig of Cape Girardeau and Pamela (Doug) Stratton of St. Peters, Mo.; three grandchildren, Russell Ludwig and Tyler and Danielle Stratton; a brother, Larry (Charlotte) Ludwig; a sister-in-law, Carolyn (the late Wayne) Ludwig of Jackson; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wayne Ludwig, and his parents.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. today at McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson.

The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. David Schaffner officiating. Interment will be in Russell Heights Cemetery with full military honors.

Memorials may take the form of contributions to the Stars and Stripes Museum/Library in Bloomfield, Mo.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting mccombsfuneralhome.com.