Earle Bennett Essex

March 2, 1942 — May 18, 2022

Earle passed away on May 18, 2022, at the age of 80 at his home after struggling with a heart condition.

Earle was born on March 2, 1942, to Charles and Gertrude Essex on a small farm north of Cozad, Nebraska. Earle graduated from Cozad High School in 1961. He had various jobs after this including gas station employee, repairman for washers and dryers, and insurance salesman for Mutual of Omaha.

Earle married his high school sweetheart Judy Mercer in 1963. This resulted in five children: Chris, David, Mark, Cindy, and Jeffrey. They moved to Moses Lake, Washington in 1976 when he got into the cattle business and farming hay. He had a favorite horse Ruby, but she was one of the many that they broke and sold. Earle bought an overhead door business, Wesco Overhead Door Co., which he ran for 42 years.

Earle was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Gertrude, his younger brother Norman, his best friends Buck Harris and brother-in-law Ron Mercer, his son Jeffrey, his daughter Cindy and his grandson Shane Phillips.

He is survived by his wife Judy of 59 years; daughter Chris (Frank); son David (Stephanie); son Mark (Debbie); brothers Elden (Kathy), and Melvin (Lola Mae); sisters Evelvn (Dean), Norma (Ray) and Barb (David) and his great friend Joseph Gross, as well as 16 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held June 11 at 5 p.m. at the family home at 9981 Rd M.3 NE, Moses Lake.