Sam Stephen "Steve" Earle

Sam left this earthly realm on August 11, 2024, after battling health complications due to exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam.
Born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Leo Albert Earle (Sam), and Reba Della Earle (née Shurtliff), he was the oldest brother and good friend to his siblings Mike, Scott (Willie), and Aileen.
In his younger years, "Steve" grew up in Ashton, Idaho and enjoyed fishing, delivering the paper, and hanging around the family's Ford dealership and Case Tractor business. He attended North Fremont High School, played football, served as a junior class president, and as a page in the Idaho State Legislature. He graduated in 1963 and helped run the family business.
Sam served in Vietnam, arriving in Cam Rahn Bay, on his 23rd birthday. He was stationed in Phan Rang with his brother Mike, both in the 116th Combat Engineer Battalion.
Upon his return, Sam moved to Utah to study Mechanical Engineering at Utah State University, later transferring to the University of Utah. Through mutual friends he met Natalie Bowden, and they married on March 11, 1972. They got his first dog/best friend Spike, settled in Bountiful Utah, and had three children Matthew, Michelle, and Stacey. During this time Sam worked for Rick Warner Ford and ran his own garage, Earle Motor, in Salt Lake City. As a family, they were active with the Sports Car Club of America, spending weekends on the track, competing in road and slalom car races. He raced Ford Cortina's, building his own engines with his son Matt by his side. His kids grew up in the shop with him, passing him tools while he passed wisdom - building motorcycles and go-karts to ride around the neighborhood. Natalie and Sam divorced in 1987.
Through shared interests Sam met his life partner Angela "Angie" Conk, and they married on Flag Day, June 14, 1988. They lived in Magna, Utah where he joined Albion Instruments building anesthetic gas analyzers - work that later relocated the pair to Brighton, Colorado, where he did research and development for Ohmeda Medical. He "retired" from Transwest Truck Parts in July 2011, but never truly stopped working, continuing to offer his instinctive engineering expertise in the automotive and technology space. Sam was devoted to his wife Angie and the special life they created together - sharing laughs, adventuring to Scottish Festivals, and caring for their pets. He always had a special cat by his side.
Sam had a creative and innovative mind. He loved working on cars, taking photos, music, creating Halloween costumes, building computers, and delivering witty, perfectly timed remarks. Sam should be remembered for finding the bright side through humor - but most importantly for being patient, introspective, and an incredible listener. He would never provide you with all the answers but built the confidence that you would find them on your own.
He is survived by his wife Angie, his siblings, his children, and five grandchildren. While there will be no public services, your stories, and experiences with Sam (Steve) will keep him alive in our hearts and minds.
In memory of Sam our "Wizard" listen to some Pink Floyd, drive some fun cars and carry humor in your life everywhere.
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