Billy Gene Earles

Billy Gene (Bill) Earles passed away peacefully Thursday, December 21, 2023, with his loving wife Jean, of 69 years, at his bedside, holding his hand. Bill’s family will greet friends and family from 2-4 PM on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Colfax Historical Society. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made out to the Colfax-Mingo Athletic Boosters.

Bill was born October 22, 1935, in Harvard, Iowa, the oldest of 7 children to Nova and Mary (Bradley) Earles. He was united in marriage to Carolyn “Jean” Holtz on October 30, 1954, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Des Moines, Iowa. To this union, 5 children were born: Donald Eugene, Richard Lee, Sue Ellen, James Robert and Mark Allen.

Bill worked for 43 years as a gifted mechanic at the Farmers Supply Store/Van Wall John Deere Implement North of Colfax. He joked that there weren’t many farmers in Jasper County that he didn’t know. Even after retiring, he would commonly lend a hand when asked to work on a tractor or give advice on how to fix the problem. Even when he could no longer turn the wrench, he was the brains behind the operation.

He was a member of the Colfax First United Methodist Church, the Colfax Jaycees, the Colfax Park Board, and the Masons. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeyes fan and loved attending the Iowa State Fair, especially the truck and tractor pull. He also loved bowling and fulfilled a dream of his by bowling with his three sons and son-in-law on the same team. His final frame of bowling included a strike, which was recorded by one of his granddaughters in attendance. He spent countless hours in his garage, usually working on one of his many refurnished antique tractors. His biggest love was spending time with his family, his pet Chihuahua Charlie, and many friends. Everyone will miss his orneriness and fantastic sense of humor.

Bill is survived by his wife Jean (Holtz) Earles of 69 years.

Children: Don (Nancy) Earles of Colfax; Rick (Kim) Earles of Prairie City; Sue (Chuck) Buehrer; Jim (Jodi) Earles; & Mark (Erika) Earles, all of Colfax.

Sisters: Karen Kendall of Eldora; Sherri (Jerry) Rutherford of Gilman; & Brenda (Craig) Jones of Colfax.

Brothers in law: Bob Holtz of Chandler, AZ; Jim (Judy) Holtz of Fairfax, MO; Hubert Churchill of Shakopee, MN; & Dan Dhondt of Republic, MO.

Grandchildren: Janie (Trevor Williams) Earles of Des Moines; Jackie (Steven) Landers of Urbandale; Dereck (Frankie Faidley) Earles of Ankeny; Dana (Ryen) Allen of Prairie City; Katelyn (Sam) DeReus of Prairie City; Jacob (Tessa) Buehrer of Prairie City; Taylor (Jordan) Woody of Monroe; Erin (Tony Formaro) Earles; Megan (Michael) Deal; Kendall Earles & Joseph Earles all of Colfax.

Great-Grandchildren: Jack Williams of Des Moines; Brooklyn, Brielle & Bryn Landers all of Urbandale; Abbott & Rory Allen and Alma Buehrer, all of Prairie City. Many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Nova Clifford & Mary Louise (Bradley) Earles; In-laws: Harold Clarence & Frances “Faye” (Hall) Holtz; Sisters: Wilma Churchill, Patsy Lewis & Barbara Dhondt; Brothers-in-law: Richard Lewis & Don Kendall; Sister-in-law: Sandy Holtz; Nephew: Terry Lewis; and Great-Granddaughter: Afton Allen.