Joseph Matthew Earls (65) was born on February 15, 1961, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The youngest of five children, he stood out from an early age with his confidence and natural athletic ability. Joe excelled in both baseball and football, helping lead his high school team to a state championship in baseball. His drive and work ethic earned him induction into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame, an honor presented by Mickey Mantle himself. He continued his baseball career at Ball State University, double majoring in both Business Management and Economics.

After college, Joe traded Indiana winters for sunny South Florida, where he launched a successful 43-year career in Right of Way. It was also there that he met the love of his life, Ronna. Together, they built a marriage rooted in love, laughter, and partnership that spanned over 39 years.

Joe was, above all else, a family man. He and Ronna raised a close-knit family and were the proud parents of their children Brittany, Sarah, and Jordan. Joe’s hobbies were simple and heartfelt: whatever sport, activity, or event his kids were involved in instantly became his passion, as evidenced by the various and ever changing bumper stickers on his car for support. He showed up, cheered loud, and supported relentlessly.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Joe was an especially devoted New Orleans Saints fan. He proudly held season tickets for several years, including the unforgettable Super Bowl-winning season (Who Dat Nation!). Sundays in the fall were often reserved for NFL football, especially when they meant cheering on the Saints with his son Jordan.

Joe loved telling an animated story, but even more he loved having an audience. His larger-than-life personality, quick wit, and genuine love of storytelling made every gathering brighter simply because he was there. Joe approached life with the intent of having fun wherever he went, leaving behind a collection of famous one-liners, unforgettable laughs, and stories that will be retold for years to come.

Alongside Ronna, Joe loved to travel, with cruises holding a special place in their hearts. They especially enjoyed exploring Mexico, Central America and South America together, making lasting memories across multiple countries and adventures. Island by island, port by port, they chased new horizons and lived their shared dream of seeing as many tropical places as possible.

Joe will be most remembered for his unwavering love and support of his family. His legacy is one of loyalty, encouragement, and wholehearted presence as an extraordinarily supportive father, a devoted husband, and a man who lived boldly, laughed often, and loved deeply. Becoming a grandfather, and the honored godfather to his granddaughter Layla, was one of his most recent cherished joys, a role he embraced proudly as her beloved “Chappy.”

Joe was preceded in death by his parents John Philip Earls and Mary Jane Earls, his sister Michelle Earls Edrington, and his most favorite dog Caesar. Joe is survived by his wife Ronna Earls, daughter Brittany Earls-Bristow (Robert), daughter Sarah Boggs (Arthur), and son Jordan Earls (Heather), dogs Roscoe and Molly; siblings John Earls, Steve Earls, and Shirley Schilcter.

Joe will be honored at a private celebration of life with immediate family to be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Joe’s memory. More importantly, they encourage you to spend time with those you love, as Joe so often did.

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