Earl Root

Services for Earl J. ("E.J.")Root, 88, a longtime Casper resident will be held Tuesday at 1:00, March 12, 2013 at the Oregon Trail Veteran Cemetery, Evansville, Wyoming, with Military honors. He died March 6, 2013 at Central Wyoming Hospice after a lengthy illness. Earl, the eldest son of seven children was born in Capa, South Dakota, to Earl Charles Root and Helen Elizabeth (Waller) Root, on June 22, 1924. He was raised and educated in Midland, South Dakota. While attending High School he was active in sports, lettering in both football and basketball. As was common during the Great Depression, he left school his Junior year to work and help support the family and his siblings...thus starting his long career with the Chicago North Western Railroad. Earl enlisted in the U.S. Army in July, 1944 and was honorably discharged in June 1946. He served in the European Theater as Squad Leader of the 505th Parachute Infantry Squad. He attained the rank of Staff Sergeant, and was also an expert Rifleman. While in the Service he was awarded the Victory Medal, the American Theater Ribbon, the European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Bronze Battle Star, and the Good Conduct Medal. Earl rarely discussed the War, but he loved his County and was proud to have served it. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Midland and resumed his employment with the Chicago North Western Railroad. In March of 1948, he met his beloved Helen Mavee Stotts. After a year courtship they were married on April 30, 1949 in Philip, South Dakota. They were blessed to have spent 63 years together. To this union was born a son and two daughters. Earl's main interest and joy in his life was his family. He was a great provider for his family and possessed strong work ethics in his everyday life, which he passed on to his children and grandchildren. As section foreman with the railroad, they lived in several small towns in South Dakota, before returning to Midland, South Dakota. With his promotion to Roadmaster, he moved his family to Casper in 1964, where they have resided since. Earl retired from the Chicago North Western Railroad in 1987 after 43 years employment. Following retirement he was able to pursue his passions which included hunting, fishing, camping, and traveling. Earl and Helen thoroughly enjoyed their many trips made to Mesquite, Nevada with their dear friends. Many fishing derbies were attended by Earl, as well as countless weekends spent with family and friends at Pathfinder Lake. He always had a fish "wager" for the day and collected it quite often. His life revolved around his wife, children and grandchildren, above all else. Earl loved entertaining at his home and having his family and friends surround him. He especially enjoyed a good laugh with all that knew him. Holidays were a reason to gather at his home to celebrate. He especially enjoyed Christmas, and preparing for the traditional "drawings" held every Christmas Eve. He will be missed deeply by those who loved him for his integrity, honesty, humor, love of life, and his saying, "..the horse you rode up on...". He was a member of the Eagles, Elks, Pathfinder Boat Club, and a lifetime member of VFW #10677. Earl is survived by his wife Helen, son Gary (Becky) Root of Mills, daughters Marla (Dan) Elston, and Luann (Fred) Trujillo, both of Casper, 11grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sisters Evelyn "Brownie" Platt of Redding California, Gladys Sanchez of Ramona, California, brothers-in-law Gabe Sanchez, Ramona, California, Roy Stotts, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Carl Stotts of Missoula, Montana and sister-in-law Lois McFall of LaBelle, Florida, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Charles Root and Robert Root, and sisters Mary Jane Root and Clara (Root) Roscamp. Serving as Pallbearers will be his grandsons Jared Rude, Austin Rude, Eben Elston, Jance Elston, Brian Garner, Michael Trujillo, Ryan Trujillo, and JonathanTrujillo. Serving as honorary Pallbearers will be his great grandsons Brayton Rude, Brody Rude, Bryer Benham,Cooper Elston, Caleb Elston, Connor Trujillo, Brady Trujillo, Gavin Trujillo, Devin Capshaw, and Rilee and Wyatt Hauber. The family requests any donations be made to the Central Wyoming Hospice and Transitions in Memory of Earl.

Service

Tuesday, March 12, 2013 1:00pm

Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery

Curtis Street

Evansville, Wyoming 82636