Earl Stein

Earl M. Stein VIRGINIA BEACH - Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Earl Manuel "Joe" Stein, 84, passed away Saturday, July 4, 2009, at a local hospital. Joe was born March 1, 1925, in White Pigeon, Mich., to the late Henry and Lena Stein. Joe also survived three brothers, Henry Jr., Richard and Jack. Joe was a 1943 graduate of Clinton High School, Clinton, Mich., and Michigan State University in 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Flight Program and received his wings at Corpus Christi in 1950. After a varied career as a Naval Aviator, both stateside and abroad, Joe retired from the Navy in 1971. He was a founding member of All Saints Episcopal Church, a Past Commodore of the Virginia Beach Yacht Club, member of Broad Bay Country Club, Kiwanis Clubs of America, Association of Naval Aviators, and a lifelong member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge No. 175. Joe is survived by his high school sweetheart and loving and devoted wife of 63 years, Ruth Boyd Stein; two daughters, Deborah Stein and Melani S. Nichols; and a granddaughter, Sumner Nichols. He is also survived by a host of friends and family, tried and true. A memorial service will be conducted in All Saints Episcopal Church Wednesday, July 8, at 4 p.m. by the Rev. Dr. Stanley Sawyer. Burial will take place at a later date in Clinton, Mich. Family suggests memorial contributions to All Saints Episcopal Church Building Fund, 1969 Woodside Lane, Virginia Beach, VA 23454, or a charity of your choice. Condolences may be offered to the family at www.hollomon-brown.com.