Earl Bales, 96, of Osborne, passed away on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital.

Earl was born Dec. 12, 1926, in rural Alton, to Leo and Velma (Stull) Bales of Alton. He was the youngest of two children.

Earl graduated from Alton High School in 1944. He married Marjorie Cox in 1952, and to this union of 67 years, four children were born. Earl and Marjorie lived on their farm south of Alton until they moved to Osborne in their later years.

Earl was a faithful member of Mt. Ayr Friends Church of Alton.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marjorie, his sister, Marjorie Johnston, and one granddaughter, Candice Gregory.

He is survived by daughters: Belinda Warner (Darrell) of Liebenthal; Vickie Drake of Alton; Donna Gregory (Virl) of Alton; and son, Larry Bales (Robin) of Osborne; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Earl Bales, 96, of Osborne, passed away on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at the Osborne County Memorial Hospital.Earl was born Dec. 12, 1926, in rural Alton, to Leo and Velma (Stull) Bales of Alton. He was the youngest of two children.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/11/1701117685061.png" alt="Earl Bales" />
 <figcaption>Earl Bales</figcaption>
 </figure>Earl graduated from Alton High School in 1944. He married Marjorie Cox in 1952, and to this union of 67 years, four children were born. Earl and Marjorie lived on their farm south of Alton until they moved to Osborne in their later years.Earl was a faithful member of Mt. Ayr Friends Church of Alton.Earl was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Marjorie, his sister, Marjorie Johnston, and one granddaughter, Candice Gregory.He is survived by daughters: Belinda Warner (Darrell) of Liebenthal; Vickie Drake of Alton; Donna Gregory (Virl) of Alton; and son, Larry Bales (Robin) of Osborne; 11 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.