Earl Eugene Lout

1940 - 2024

A man for All Seasons, Earl Eugene Lout lived a full, vibrant life in diverse arenas. Friends, family and his beloved wife, Karen, all knew him as a man of deep integrity and high moral values. He served in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961, a foundation for his fierce loyalty to "This Great Country". He became a Shriner of the Alameda Mason Lodge, making generous contributions to Shriners Children's Hospital of Northern California. Earl's generosity was extended to Smile Train for cleft lip children, many political agencies as well as many personal friends and family members. Donations to the Native American Community were a testimony to his respect and pride for his Cherokee and Creek heritage. Besides his dedication to valued interests, Earl enjoyed conversing, and especially laughing, with friends, associates and even strangers. There are few in this world who knew as many jokes as Earl or who could deliver them with greater hilarity.

Earl was born in Oakland, CA, to his parents, Ernest and Thelma Lout. As a young boy his family moved to Chico CA where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. His hunting prowess continued with elk hunting being his favorite.

A master craftsman, Earl's working career began with a plumber's apprenticeship, then grew into steam fitting and large pipe fitting/welding. He worked on major construction projects including the Lawrence Livermore Lab and Shell Oil refineries. In addition to construction, Earl successfully traversed North America as an owner operator hauling freight of every variety in his Kenworth conventional truck.

A fierce competitor, he launched into professional motorcycle racing. He started on a 45ci flathead Harley-Davidson. As successes mounted, he became an emerging flat track racing force. Rising to professional status, Earl changed mounts to a 30.5ci ohv BSA. A favorite victory was winning the Sturgis National Championship in South Dakota, achieving the honor of National #70. His fondest memories were of the many people who helped him. The Legends of Motorcycle Racing honored him many times at their annual luncheon.

As time evolved, Earl identified with the cowboy lifestyle. This wasn't just dress style, as he went on many cattle roundups for rancher friends in the Bay Area. He was known for his impeccable shirts, wranglers and many, many cowboy hats.

A tender sensitivity that belied his rugged persona was his love of music, saying often "I can't imagine how songwriters capture such beautiful poetic emotion." One of his favorite lines came from CW singer Johnny Lee, "It'll be alright." In his last days, he expressed deep warmth and gratitude to visitors and caregivers. Thursday, July 27, 2024, Earl passed peacefully… "It'll be alright".

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Ronnie and Terry. He is survived by his beloved wife, Karen, sister Carol Miles, her husband Darell, and many nieces and nephews.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, August 30, 2024, 11 AM at Corpus Christi Church, 37891 2nd St., Fremont, CA 94536.