David Wallace Earl

David Wallace Earl, age 78, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026, in Peoria, Arizona, after living with Parkinson's disease for 22 years. His life was marked by faith, devotion to family and volleyball, music and a lifelong love of thrifting.

David was born on April 27, 1948, in Boulder City, Nevada, to Jeanne Larson Earl and Joseph Donal Earl. He attended Boulder City Elementary School, Osborne Elementary School, Clarendon Middle School and graduated from West High School. He pursued higher education at Phoenix College and Brigham Young University before earning his law degree from Arizona State University. In 1972, he proudly served in the National Guard.

As a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints David served faithfully throughout his life. From 1967-1969 he served a mission in Argentina, adding to his lifelong love for the Spanish language, specifically bi-lingual jokes.

In January 1974, David married his sweetheart, Martha Barrett. Together they raised four children: Heather (Tommy) Bradbeer, Joseph (Janeal) Earl, Mandy (Darin) Sowby, and Matthew (Jennifer) Earl.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Martha; his children; his grandchildren, Jordan, Braxton (Kaylie), MacKenzie, Langley, Aurora (Kaden), Brigham, Colton, Davin, Carson, Mitchell, Eve, Lex, Evan, Kathryn, Jane, and Lucy; and his sisters, Karen Brotherson, Evelyn Jeffries, and Donna (Terry) Colyar.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jeanne Larson Earl and Joseph Donal Earl, and his brother-in-law, Jack Brotherson.

David was an enthusiastic volleyball player and devoted fan. He loved playing the game as both a teenager and an adult. He was a devoted fan who especially loved cheering on his daughters Heather and Mandy, and his grandson Braxton as they played. Whether watching from the sidelines or tuning in to college volleyball matches, David simply couldn't get enough of the sport. His excitement for the game and unwavering support of those he loved made volleyball one of the many ways he connected with family and friends, creating lasting memories.

Those who knew David will remember his warm personality, his sense of humor, and his nickname, the "Cookie Monster," thanks to his love of cookies. He had an enduring passion for reading and was always delighted to discover another treasured book while browsing thrift stores, share a book suggestion with a friend, and read a story to his grandchildren. David was brimming with intellectual curiosity. He believed in lifelong learning and enjoyed thoughtful debate. He loved playing ping pong with his kids and grandkids, traveling, history, lively discussion, and sharing all the things he was passionate about with everyone around him. David was an attentive father and grandfather who loved to support his kids and grandkids whether they were performing in the fine arts, playing competitive sports, or pursuing academic success. David enjoyed being silly with his grandkids, sharing puns and jokes, singing and doing the chicken dance together.

David had a deep and lifelong appreciation of music, especially folk music. He loved to perform and share his talents. He created EarlJam, a house concert where participants could come together and share their talents and love of the arts. He often brought his guitar as he visited and ministered to members of his congregation. Sunday nights he would play guitar and lead singalongs while his grandkids joined with their “Jug Band”.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8602 N. 31st Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona 85051. A viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at 3:00 p.m. at the Mesa Cemetery. Family and friends are also invited to gather for EarlJam at 7:00 p.m. at the church to celebrate David's life through music.

David will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, and his passion for volleyball. In his memory, take time to enjoy a cookie, browse the shelves of a thrift store for a good book, and learn a new song to share with someone you love