Earl Meherg

Earl Meherg, 87, of Gig Harbor, Washington, faithful husband, loving father, and beloved grandfather, went to be with his Lord and Savior on February 9, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born on November 9, 1938, in Clanton, Alabama, to John and Melvie Meherg.

Earl's childhood was spent on a farm in the beautiful countryside of Clanton, Alabama, where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. He helped his family with daily farm chores. Earl began his education at Concord Elementary School, later attending Mt. Pleasant School, and then Clanton High School. He transferred to Thorsby Institute for his high school education, picking cotton to pay for his private schooling. His dedication to education and self-improvement remained a lifelong passion, as he regularly studied the dictionary, always desiring to improve his vocabulary and enhance his command of the English language.

At the age of 19, with a taste for adventure and a desire to serve his country, Earl enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he served with distinction for 23 years. While stationed at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama, Earl attended a Friday night youth gathering at Emmanuel Baptist Church. There, he met the love of his life, Geraldine Pate. It was love at first sight. Just two days after they met, Earl was shipped out to Ramstein, Germany, but the couple maintained their connection through 18 months of heartfelt letters. Earl returned home on a one-month military leave with the intention of marrying Geraldine, and they celebrated a strong and devoted marriage of 64 years-12 days shy of 65 years.

During his military career, Earl was stationed at numerous bases around the world, including Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery, Alabama; Ramstein Air Force Base and Rhein-Main, Germany; James Connally Air Force Base in Waco, Texas; Thule, Greenland; Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage, Alaska; Travis Air Force Base in California; Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines; Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina; and U-Tapao, Thailand. While stationed in Germany, Earl and Geraldine welcomed their only child, Julie Ann Meherg. After retiring from the Air Force, MSgt. Earl Meherg worked in the accounting department at the Alaska Native Hospital.

Earl was a man of deep faith who lived by his Bible. He served his church communities faithfully throughout his life as a Sunday school superintendent, adult Sunday school teacher, youth director, and member of small singing ensembles. He and Geraldine were charter members of a church plant (Church of God) in the Philippines. From his childhood days of standing on tree stumps and preaching to the cornfields of Alabama, Earl maintained a lifelong reverence for serving God. He was a praying man who read his Bible every night and faithfully prayed on his knees.
Music was one of Earl's greatest joys. He had a smooth, buttery voice reminiscent of the Everly Brothers and Elvis Presley, and he loved to sing tenor and harmonize. Earl played guitar and steel guitar, and with his best friend, he recorded a 45 rpm single of "That's All Right Mama." He had a gift for making up jingles and could break out in song and rhyme at any moment, bringing joy and laughter to those around him.

Those who knew Earl described him as a gentle giant, a godly man, and a kind soul with deep respect and reverence for his Creator. He was dedicated, humble, compassionate, and warm. Earl never raised his voice and was a lovingly devoted father and faithful husband. He was a man of character—an anchor for his family. Everything Earl did was done with meticulous care: he polished his lawn mowers, cleaned his fishing lines, and kept his shoes shined. His yard, equipment, musical instruments, and car were always immaculate and pristine. For years, his signature look included wearing coveralls and a sunhat when tinkering around the yard or in the garage.

Earl was always on time, well-disciplined, and well-respected by everyone who met him. He kept every hair in place until he lost most of it, and he was known for his studious nature—he wasn't a television watcher but rather an avid reader. What brought Earl the greatest joy was his family. He adored his two grandchildren, Brandon and Brianna, who brought him so much happiness.

Earl is preceded in death by his parents, John and Melvie Meherg of Clanton, Alabama, and his only grandson, Brandon Spargo of Gig Harbor, Washington.
He is survived by his beloved wife of almost 65 years, Geraldine Meherg, Gig Harbor, Washington; his daughter and son-in law, Julie Ann (Peter) Spargo, Gig Harbor, Washington; grand-daughter and grand-son-in-law, Brianna and (Mik Peterson), Gig Harbor, Washington, his sister, Judy Lockhart, Clanton, Alabama, and a host of Cousins, Nephews, Nieces, and Friends.

Earl Meherg lived a life marked by faith, service, dedication, and love. His legacy of devotion to God, country, and family will continue to inspire all who knew him. He was a man who honored his commitments, loved deeply, and lived with integrity every day of his life.
"Well done, good and faithful servant."

Isaiah 40:31
But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.
2 Corinthians 5:8
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

2 Timothy 4:7-8
I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.