Earl Child

Earl Bert Child

July 15, 1928 – October 17, 2016

Earl Bert Child (88) left this earthly life on October 17, 2016. His sweetheart and eternal companion, Janice, left just 4 days before him. They were rarely separated in life and could not be separated by death. She could not live without him nor he without her.

Earl was born July 15, 1928 in Ogden, Utah to Bertie Elmer Child and Ebertha Hermina Meibos. He was the oldest of three children. He grew up in Riverdale, attending schools in Weber County. In the fourth grade, he met his sweetheart Janice. On August 14, 1950 he was married and sealed to the love of his life, Janice Peterson, in the Salt Lake Temple. In a letter to Janice he wrote, “Everyday of our marriage is better because of you.”

He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Eastern States Mission, where he had an opportunity to participate in the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Earl served two years in the Army during the Korean War where he was stationed in France. He graduated from Utah State University with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. He later earned an administrative certificate from the University of Utah.

He worked for his father-in-law at Peterson Brothers Herefords where he honed his skills as a handyman and became a jack-of-all-trades. With this knowledge, he taught his sons many skills. When asked what he would like to have said about him after he died. He replied, “That I taught my children how to work.”

Earl taught elementary school for 32 years in the Weber School District. He was a master story teller and was beloved by his students. He received many awards for his teaching abilities including Teacher of the Year and the Golden Apple Award. He enjoyed serving the people of the Roy area as a Utah State Legislator.

As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he had a very strong testimony of the Savior. He served in many callings in the LDS Church including bishop’s counselor, high councilman, and stake president. He managed and improved the church facilities at the stake camp and gymnasium working closely with his good friend Jed Harris. He enjoyed serving as a merit badge counselor and a faithful home teacher. Earl and Janice served two missions together at the Family History Library in Salt Lake City and in the Roy Employment Center. Earl spent countless hours working at the Family History Center in Ogden where he did extraction work for many of his Dutch ancestors.

He put everyone before himself, always looking for ways to serve others. His life was one of sacrifice and service to his sweetheart, family, friends, students, church, and community.

Earl is survived by his children: Wendell (Nola); Brian (JoDee); Merrill (Lori); Colleen; Carol (Brian); 24 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Janice, his parents, brother Darrell, and sister Joan.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the Roy 12th Ward, 4524 South 2525 West, Roy. Friends and family may visit on Friday, October 21, 2016 from 6 to 8 pm at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 West 5600 South and on Saturday from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment, Lindquist’s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the staff at Pheasant View Assisted Living, Dr. Glen Biddulph, and the AFI Advanced Care staff.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the LDS Missionary fund.