Earl Gidcumb, age 92 died of natural causes at his home in Wickliffe, KY on October 25, 2017
Born July 31, 1925 in Harrisburg, IL to Ruth Temple Cummins Gidcumb and Glenn Terry Gidcumb, Earl was raised by his maternal grandparents, Broughton Temple and Nancy Ann Cummins. He attended Harrisburg High School, graduating in 1943. In 1965, he received his business degree from Paducah Junior College.
Earl proudly served in the United States Navy during World War II. He held the rank of Storekeeper Second Class and was assigned to two different ships, the USS Indianapolis and USS Bottineau. Earl received an Honorable discharge from the Navy in February 1946. This patriot also served in the Illinois National Guard for two years as a Sergeant and Squad Leader and was a member of the American Legion.
For most of his adult life, Earl was a member of the Masonic Lodge, first joining the Harrisburg Lodge, No. 325, A.F. and A.M. and then the Grand Lodge No. 625 in Wickliffe, KY.
Earl worked at Union Carbide in Paducah, AMF Corporation in York Pennsylvania and he retired as a Purchasing Manager at Westvaco in Wickliffe, KY. He also served as President of the National Association of Purchasing Managers. Throughout his lifetime, he shared his love of golf with many friends and you could find Earl on golf courses across the country but Ballard County Country Club was where he called home for more than 40 years.
As a professional trumpeter, music was a huge part of his life. He directed his own big band dance band the Townsmen, for thirty years and played regularly at the First Baptist Church of Wickliffe where he was a longtime member. He also play for many community events around the area. Earl was honored to play taps for hundreds of his fellow servicemen.
Earl was a supporter of the Kentucky Veteran and Patriot Museum where many people from all over the country had an opportunity to learn about his service to this country. Many came to know and love “Mr. Earl “ through his speaking engagements throughout the State and had the opportunity to learn what being a patriot meant to him, During his time in the military and as a civilian, he received honors including 6 Battle Stars, his story being added to the Congressional Record. He was also a Duke of Paducah, Honorary Patriot Guard Rider and Honorary Mustang.
Married twice, Earl was a loving and devoted husband. He was preceded in death by both wives; Norma Jean Gidcumb whom he married September 22, 1944 and Betty Ruth Kelly Gidcumb, married December 2, 1989.
Survivors include his son Richard Michael Gidcumb and wife Jean of Dexter, KY, granddaughters Jennifer Gidcumb Hall and husband Shane of Versailles and Erin Gidcumb of Paducah, KY, daughters in-laws Brenda Hinkle Ardebili of Murray and Donna Powell Richardson of Nashville, TN, three great grandchildren Peyton, Lauren and Jonah Hall of Versailles, KY, also surviving are three stepsons, Gary Kelly and wife Deana of DuQuion, IL, Joseph Kelly and wife Melinda and Greg Kelly both of Sesser, IL. Although he leaves behind many people who loved and admired him, two very special people, Sandy Hart and Bonnie Bruner were truly steadfast in their love and devotion to Earl.
Funeral services for Earl Gidcumb will be held at the Kentucky Veteran & Patriot Museum, Friday November 3, 2017 at 11:00 AM. Rev. Lynn Releford will officiate with burial to follow in the Sunset Lawn cemetery in Harrisburg, IL. Mr. Gidcumb request that there be no flowers at his funeral but in lieu of flowers, send donations to the Kentucky Veteran & Patriot Museum, P.O. box 633 Wickliffe, KY 42087
