Earl Wayne Cripe

Earl Wayne “Duke” Cripe, of Michigantown, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025 at his home surround by family. He was born on January 25, 1943, in Noblesville to Tom and Peggy (Corns) Cripe. He married Donna Goodnight on February 11, 1967, and she survives.

Earl served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. When he returned, he worked at Wilderness Trailers and Pogue Electric before starting a 40 plus year career in heating and air at Godby Brothers in Indianapolis and eventually with his brother Ted for a while. He was a member of Country Chapel Church of God, Eagles Lodge, Moose Lodge, and the American Legion. He was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed pitching horseshoes, golfing, playing softball, and bowling. He also enjoyed working at festivals around the state where he and his family would serve lemon shake-ups, elephant ears, tenderloins, onion rings and fried veggies. Earl was a wonderful man, and a friend to all. He was always glad to give a compliment, and make sure you learned from your mistakes. Above all he loved his family, and was always willing to be there when they needed him.

Along with his wife of 58 years, Earl is survived by his children, Deanna (Wes) Lowery, Kristi (Jeff) Ostler, Ed (Erin) Cripe; sisters, Peggy Lou Bitner and Janice (Robert) Reed; grandchildren, Dustin Ostler, Nathan Lowery, Brandon (Cassi) Ostler, Courtney (Adam) Kindley, Riley Cripe, Hannah (Austin) Baker, Reid (Camryn) Cripe, Wyatt Ostler, Ross (Caitlin) Cripe; 14 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Ted Cripe, Donna Carter, Janet Heidt, and Tommy Cripe, Jr.

Visitation will be held, Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 11am until the time of the service at 2pm at Day & Genda Funeral Home in Frankfort. Pastor Mike Wells will officiate with burial to follow at Green Lawn Cemetery. Military Rites will be performed by the Clinton County Honor Guard. Memorial contributions may be made on Earl’s behalf to the Wounded Warrior foundation. Messages of condolence may be left at www.dayandgenda.com