GREENVILLE- Stephen Jewell Earle (Steve) was born in Greenville, Kentucky, on 17 August 1951, to Mary Frances McIntosh and Elbert Jewell Earle, both of whom preceded him in death. Steve departed this world to meet his heavenly Father across the River Jordan on 22 May 2026.
Steve was married to the love of his life and soulmate, Bonita June Earle (née Ford), for 54 years. They have three children, who, along with their grandchildren, were the paramount joy of their long life together. Stephen Bradley Earle (Kat) is an engineer at LS Cable & System in Tarboro, North Carolina. Jonathon Lynn Earle (Jami) is a professor of history at Centre College, Danville, Kentucky. Mary Elizabeth Thomas (Kyle) is a teacher at Bremen Elementary School in Bremen, Kentucky.
Steve and Bonita’s grandchildren are Kiah Earle, David Hatley, Jacob Earle, Gabriel Thomas, Kaiden Earle, Ruby Hatley-Earle, and Miles Thomas. He is also survived by his sister, Glynna Dianne Bowles (Terry), and brother, Terry Lynn Earle (Rhonda), and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his sister, Belinda Dawn Edwards.
Steve was a proud member of the United Mine Workers of America, to which he devoted his life and labor. He was a tireless champion of working families, inspired by Mother Jones’ words, “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.” He began working for the UMWA in 1977 and, throughout his long career, participated in and organized several national labor strikes. After a decade of high-profile strikes, including those at Pittston Coal, he was appointed Legislative Field Director for the Midwest in 1992, lobbying in Frankfort and Washington, DC. He was first elected International District 12 Vice President in 2008 and served two additional terms by acclamation. Steve was also a member of the Kentucky Executive Board of the AFL-CIO. During his work with the Union, Steve pushed unrelentingly for pensions and healthcare, including passing legislation supporting miners battling black lung.
Steve was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Steve also served as a past Master of the John T. Crandall Masonic Lodge for three consecutive years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason of the Scottish Rite in the Western Kentucky Consistory, and a member of the Madisonville Rizpah Shriners. He was a member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church.
Beyond his social and political work, Steve loved fishing and turkey hunting with his family on his brother’s farm. He also loved growing flowers and watching wildlife. Steve was known affectionately by his grandchildren as “Nay.” Nay was a vivid and powerful storyteller whose imaginary tales will live on in the hearts and minds of his grandchildren, who were the pride of his life.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 2:00pm at Tucker Funeral Home in Central City with Bro. Tom Stovall officiating. Burial will be private. Visitation will be held Wednesday beginning at 10:00am at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.tuckerfuneralhomes.com.
