(Eagle, Globe & Anchor)
EARL BERNARD LEIGH SONNER
March 2, 1936 - December 11, 2023

Born at Henrotin Hospital in Chicago, Illinois to John Lewis and Ruth Sonner, Earl grew up on a farm in Wayland, Michigan. From the third grade through the eighth grade he attended Hooker School, a rural one room school house, and graduated from Wayland High School in 1954. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. At the end of his enlistment in 1957 he married Gert Meagher and made his home in California.

Earl spent 27 years at Southern California Edison Company.  Starting in 1965 as a Meter Reader in San Bernardino and retired in 1992 as the District Manager of the Blythe area. During his career he served as Customer Representative, Credit Representative, Service Planner, City Area Manager and District Manager for three districts.

Active in sports in High School and as an adult, he played in a number of softball leagues and then got addicted to running in 1984. He ran innumerable 10k's (6 mile races) and ran nine marathons including the Boston marathon in 1990.

He was also active in the communities he served. He has been involved with Little League Baseball, Girls Softball, Little theatre, The Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Palo Verde Hospital Board of Directors, Kiwanas, and 30 years as an active member Rotary Club. He served on many City committees as well as serving as the first Blythe Planning Commission Chairman.

Earl was preceeded in death by his Daughter Merry, Wife Gert, Sister Kristine, Brother Richard, and Great Grandson Justin. He leaves behind his Daughter Doris, Son Earl II, Brother Jim along with 4 Grand Children and 2 Great Grand Children.