Tributes

We deeply mourn the loss of Earl Aylward who passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas surrounded by loved ones. In the 89 years and 10 months of his life, Earl was many things to so many people. He was a son, brother, husband, dad, grandpa, uncle and friend. Earl’s life can be told in many chapters and woven throughout were dedication, committed, and a never-failing kindness. Earl was born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada to John Andrew Aylward and Myrtle Jane Griffin. One of nine siblings, his early years were filled with church, school and working on the family farm. He dropped out of school after beginning 8th grade to help on the farm and later moved to Medford, Massachusetts. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1953 and worked as an Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician and, later, a Vehicle Operations Superintendent, serving during the Vietnam conflict. His 30 years and 29-day (which he would not let you forget!) military career took him to multiple stateside and overseas assignments to include tours in Korea, Germany, Japan and the Philippines. Around the end of his first enlistment he became a U.S. citizen in 1957 in Brazos County, Texas. While stationed at Vance Air Force Base (AFB) in 1958, he met his wife Paula of over 55 years. They were blessed with three sons and two daughters; 14 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren all of who became such a huge focus of his life. Earl was known to assure “food was on the table” by working second jobs. Following his military service, Earl spent over 10 years working for the United States Civil Service at Kelly AFB and Randolph AFB in San Antonio, Texas. Always known for his strong work ethic and sense of humor, he made a lasting impact to the military mission and all of whom he worked with. Earl embarked on a 3rd and final career working for East Central School District as a dedicated student transportation driver for several years before entering full retirement life in 2004. Earl’s love of cars began early in life when he would buy, fix up and sell used cars. This life-long hobby included being a loyal fan of the local race tracks showing up each Friday night. Earl would never miss a NASCAR event too – if not watching live on television the event was recorded for later viewing! He attended NASCAR races at Daytona, Talladega and Phoenix tracks. Attending the Barrett-Jackson show at Phoenix, Arizona was one of several highlights. He would not hesitate to tell you his favorite vehicle is the 1950 Mercury four-door sedan! Left to grieve him are his children John (Heather Ross), Mary (Paul Bottoms), Earl Jr., Patrick and Kathaleen (Kevin Summers), his grandchildren Ross, Jack, Matthew (Aylward), Paul Jr., Rachel (Bottoms), Ian, Shaun, Aiden, Brendan (Summers), Angela and Michelle (Aylward); 9 great-grandchildren Brayden (Bottoms); Ansleigh, Emmery, Lilly, Elijah (Newby), Jaimeson and Grayson (Summers); and countless nieces and nephews along with cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, siblings and wife Paula Rae (Cravens) Aylward and three grandchildren Quinten and Ryan Bottoms and Bryan Aylward.

Tributes

Earl Aylward CMS, USAF Ret.

March 7, 1935 - January 2, 2025