Ivan Earls' Obituary
Ivan Earls passed away in Houston, Texas, on Monday, March 2nd, 2026, at the age of 71. Ivan is preceded in death by his parents, William and Shirley (Griffith) Earls and siblings, Ella Shope, Lena Stoltz, Donnie Earls, and Jimmy Ray Earls. Left to cherish Ivan’s memory are his wife, Elva (Contreras) Earls; son, Ivan Jasper Earls and wife Esther; daughters, Shirley Zermeno and husband Eugy, Sarah Earls-Cowart and husband Daniel; grandchildren, Lucia, Azelie, Eugy Jr, Alex, Benny, Mila, Bianca, August, and Alyssa; siblings, Jo Ann Earls, Zelma Alcade, America Holdcraft, Wilma Honeycutt, Tammie Earls, Sonny Earls (sister-in-law), Ernest Earls, Leroy Earls, Danny Lee Earls, and William Earls; along with a host of many other family and friends.
Ivan was a retired Master Sergeant who dedicated over 25 years of his life to military service. He enlisted in the Army near the end of the Vietnam era, served during Operation Desert Storm, and retired after serving with honor and dedication. His commitment to service reflected a deep sense of duty, resilience, and honor that remained evident throughout his life.
Raised in Eastern Kentucky as one of thirteen children, Ivan came from humble beginnings that shaped his strong character and work ethic. Through perseverance and determination, he built a life defined by generosity, integrity, and a willingness to give of himself to others.
Above all else, Ivan was a devoted husband. His greatest pride was the marriage and family he built alongside his wife of 45 years, Elva. As a father of three, Ivan valued his children’s independence and strong convictions, encouraging them to stand firm in who they were and what they believed.
Ivan will be remembered for his sense of humor, especially with his children, and for his gift of storytelling. His memories, lessons, and laughter brought people together. He was also a loving grandfather who would do anything for his grandchildren, cherishing every moment spent with them. Ivan will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Ivan’s family will receive guests during a visitation at Clayton Funeral Home of Pearland, on Monday, March 9th, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, with a Rosary to be recited at 6:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held the following day at St. Helen Catholic church beginning at 10:00 am. Interment will follow the Mass at South Park Cemetery.
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