ELKHART — Russell E. "Earl" Gard, 98, of Elkhart, passed away peacefully of natural causes at East Lake Terrace in Elkhart on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2017.

He was born in Elkhart on March 19, 1919 to the late Orson F. and Beulah B. (Roach) Gard, and he is preceded in death by spouses Norma P. (Zane) Gard who passed in 1958 and Mary E. (Irwin) Gard, who passed in 2016.

Surviving are children David (Tari) Gard of Elkhart, Robert (Joni) Irwin of Elkhart, James (Jolene) Irwin of Oldsmar, FL and Sara Jo (Graham) Broadwell of Blanch, North Carolina; grandchildren Eric (Angela) Irwin, Emily (Brad Sissom) Irwin, Robby (Caitlyn) Irwin, Coy Gard, Meredith (Felipe Hernandez, Jr.) Gard, Jamie (Wes) Baird, Joelle (Max) Kitchener, Rebecca Broadwell Lee and Russell (Jennifer) Broadwell;  nine great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Russell was a well-known and much loved insurance agent in the Elkhart area for the better part of 40 years. Friendly and kind, most remember him as their State Farm agent.

He was very active within his community and was a 50 year member of the Tyrian Masonic Lodge #718.

He had also been a member of Elkhart Moose #599, was a former Optimist, had been active as a Redcoat at Elkhart General Hospital for over 20 years and belonged to several local clubs including the Mr. and Mrs. Club of Elkhart and the Forties Club.

He was also a founding member of the Osolo Township Fire Department and maintained a lifetime membership status there because of his service to the township.

Russell was honorably discharged from active duty in the US Army Air Corps during WWII, where he served in the China-Burma-India campaign.

Pastor John Hogsett and the congregation of Faith United Methodist Church, 22045 CR 18, Goshen, are honored to celebrate Russell's life at at 1 p.m.  on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2017, with visitation beginning there at 11 a.m.

Burial will follow at Rice Cemetery with military graveside honors to be rendered by Elkhart DAV 19 and the US Army Funeral Honor Guard, and Billings Funeral Home of Elkhart has been assisting the family with the arrangements.

Memorial donations may go to either Harbor Lights Hospice, Faith United Methodist Church or to the Osolo Township Fire Department.