Earl Vern Rolph Jr

Earl Vern Rolph Jr. was born July 13, 1921, (the second of three children) in Long Beach, California, to Earl Vern Rolph Sr. and Lillian Still Rolph. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson HS in Long Beach in 1939. Earl attended Long Beach City College and worked for McCreary Music Co. in Long Beach before enlisting in the United States Navy on February 9, 1942. He was stationed at various naval air stations in Southern California before eventually heading overseas to the naval air station at Yonabaru, Okinawa. Earl was discharged December 22, 1945, at Terminal Island, San Pedro, California, as an Aerographer's Mate Third Class.

Earl met the one true love of his life, Eleanor Granford Harvey, in April 1946, and they were married in Long Beach on September 8, 1946. Three children followed: Steven Philip (1947), Bruce Troy (1950), and Janice Arlene (1953). Early on Earl played semiprofessional fastpitch softball (notably with the World Champion Long Beach Nitehawks) before the duties of family refocused his time. He worked for several uniform rental and supply companies (notably Industrial Uniform Rental & Supply and Valley Industrial) rising from route sales to district manager and then general sales manager over his 40 year career.

Earl and Elli moved to Southern Oregon in 1987. They had been married nearly 60 years when Elli went home to be with the Lord in 2006. In 2009 Earl moved still further north to Portland in 2009 to be closer to his children. Earl went to be with the Lord on November 7, 2013.The faith, courage, and perseverance that he displayed while living his final years without Elli was a clear reflection of the man we knew as a devoted husband and father.

Earl is survived by his three children, Steve (and his wife Evelyn); Troy (and his wife Susie); and Janice; Pat Johnson (sister); grandson Bryan Anthony LaTorre (and his wife Danielle); granddaughter Anna Lee Schones (and her husband Scott along with great grandchildren Dane, Reed, Hosanna, Zion, and one coming in April).

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, Disabled American Vets, or Pregnancy Care Center (Grants Pass, OR)

A memorial service will be at 2:00 p.m., Sunday, November 17, 2013 at Hull & Hull Funeral Directors.