Michael Wayne Earley

1940 - 2025

Michael Wayne Earley, 85, passed away peacefully Wednesday, June 18, 2025.

Michael was born June 3, 1940, to the late John and Alice Earley in San Diego, California. He was a member of MOAA, American Legion, VFW and he also was a Kentucky Colonel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his only brother, Kenneth Earley; and a sister, Gayle Fidel Bueno.

Survivors include his spouse, Sherry A. Earley; his three stepchildren, Shannon Ray, Gary Davis and Daniel Davis; along with their children, grandchildren, his nieces, nephews and friends. Also surviving is his sister-in-law who was married to his late brother, Kenneth Earley, Marianna Earley. Michael has one surviving cousin, Richard (Brenda) Earley.

Over the years, Michael enjoyed jogging, volleyball, antiques including refinishing, upholstering and caning. He also enjoyed reading, world history debates and politics, including sports. In later years, it was reading, news, action movies and westerns.

With a bigger than life personality, he could make the ficklest person smile, leaving one to say, "why not!"

Michael led a humble and joyful life with endurance.

After graduating from San Dieguito High School, Michael went on and joined the National Guard, going on to join the U.S. Army. He retired after 20 years as a major. He loved and enjoyed his military years.

Once he retired from the military, he went to technical college in Elizabethtown, graduating with a Heating and Air degree.

Michael battled courageously over the years against the ill effects of Agent Orange during his wartime years in Korea, Vietnam and the Congo Crises, which left him disabled and ill for most of his retirement years. His support through these difficult years was the presence of his loving wife, who cared lovingly to the end of the final hours and minutes of his life.

His final breath by his side.... Even to the end, he remained hopeful with a sense of humor.

He left this earth a better place.

A graveside service is at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, July 31, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery-Central in Radcliff.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Disabled American Veterans.