Earl Matthew Pearson

My paternal grandfather was born November 19, 1926.
He died February 1, 2001.

He served as a United States Marine for 3 years and served on Guadalcanal Island in WWII. For that service, his entire division received a Bronze Star with a Silver Cluster. He also received the Bronze Star for himself, as well as a Purple Heart.

He then served with the United States Army for 20 years and received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal and was honorably discharged.

Earl was 15 years of age when Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. I am not sure what effect that had on his life or his decision to serve in the military, but I'm sure it swayed his decision somewhat.

For many years after his military service, grandpa worked the night shift for some company. Seemed like he was always sleeping when we went to his house. He loved trains. In fact, his entire basement was a model-train city. No, it was more than a city. It was several cities. He had mountains with tunnels and little towns along the way. The train traveled nearly the entire width and length of his basement - right through the walls. There were rare moments when we got to see the trains function. Grandpa had a big sound system built into the basement that brought the entire thing to life. It was just the continuous sound of a train whistle and the chug-chug of a steam engine. VERY COOL!

I used to mow my grandpa's lawn in the summer. He'd paid me $10 and that included trimming the edges and pruning the bushes. I thought he paid me too much. One Saturday there was a lot of extra stuff to do around the yard and he paid me $20. I balked but he was always gracious and thankful.

One of my sisters was born on November 10, which happens to be the birthday of the United States Marine Corps. Grandpa referred to her as "Marine Corps Pearson."

Earl was a gruff man, but he could man a great BBQ. His barbecue was in the shape of a big steel, steam engine train and the smoke came right out the top of the train. Later in life grandpa bought an above-ground swimming pool. We swam in it often and enjoyed being around the Pearson grandparents. Both grandma and grandpa smoked for most of their lives. Grandma cigarettes, grandpa pipes. Had they not smoked, they'd have lived longer than their 70-some-odd years. They lived hard lives.

We'd always spend Christmas Day at their house. I mean, the WHOLE day.

Lisa and I were recently able to take his name to the temple and have him sealed to his parents and their parents to their parents, etc., etc., you get the picture. It was a nice experience. I loved Grandpa Pearson. I can still hear his big belly laugh and I even do a mean imitation of it, if I do say so myself!