Earl LeMaster

Earl LeMaster, age 97, was called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. He was born in Wilbur, Kentucky, on September 12, 1929, to Forest and Ruth E. (Lemasters) LeMaster.

Earl was raised in Ohio after moving from Kentucky and eventually settling in Scioto Township, where he spent the rest of his life. He attended Jackson High School, where he graduated in 1948. He was a school citizen, student council member, and a member of the National Honor Society. Earl also played varsity basketball for Jackson High School.

Earl joined the U.S. Army and served in the Airborne Division as a paratrooper for two years. He was stationed at Fort Knox, Fort Bragg, and Fort Campbell. He then attended the University of Kentucky for a short period of time, ultimately deciding to dedicate his life to farming and agriculture.

On March 27, 1957, Earl married Ruth Ann (Hixon) LeMaster. They were happily married for 65 years.

He attended Wesley UMC, now known as Wesley Cove Church. Earl was a Farm Bureau member, belonging to the Ohio Cattlemen’s Association and Jackson Soil and Conservation, serving on various boards and committees throughout the years. He was also involved with the Farmers Club. Earl attended meetings at the local extension office to gain knowledge of new ideas or techniques, and checking on progress of the crops. He learned the benefits of installing springs to provide water for his livestock and installing tiles for drainage. He was very knowledgeable about farming techniques, including when to plant crops, work the ground, use no-till methods, spray, and harvest. Over the course of those years, Earl received multiple awards including Ohio Farmer of the Year (1988) and Ohio Cattlemen’s Association award for Environmental Stewardship (2003).

Earl is survived by his daughter, Ann Marie Muck; son, Mark Earl LeMaster; grandchildren, Janelle (Rickey) Caudill, Hannah (Mark) Castro, Brian (Rachel) Muck, and Ryan LeMaster; great-grandchildren, Macy Caudill, Madison Caudill, Hunter Castro, Cooper Muck, Lucas Castro, and Easton Castro; his sister, Loretta Conley; and brother, Lonnie LeMaster.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Ann LeMaster; his sister, Agnes; his parents, Forest and Ruth E. LeMaster; his in-laws, Herb and Elsie Hixon; Mary (Ed) Hamilton; Dorothy (Jack) Brunner; and Mitch Conley; as well as many other close family members.

Earl lived a good life, providing for his family, serving the Lord, and caring for the land which consisted of approximately 1,000+ acres. On this land he grew multiple different crops which included corn, soybeans, alfalfa, wheat, and tobacco. He enjoyed his career in farming; it was his passion and life’s work. He enjoyed gardening which consisted of multiple blackberry and blueberry bushes along with various fruit trees and their multiple fresh vegetable gardens. Earl also had livestock which consisted of a herdof Angus and Hereford cattle. In the winter, he loved cracking hickory nuts so Ruth Ann could make his favorite hickory nut cookies. He also enjoyed watching the Kentucky Wildcats and Ohio State.

Earl and Ruth Ann enjoyed welcoming family and friends into their home for meetings, holidays, and special occasions. They hosted several farming, church, social, and family reunions, as well as farming groups and the Jackson County Farm-City Field Day several times. Earl enjoyed showing anyone who stopped by around the farm.

Earl will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his love for his family, his dedication to farming, and the kindness he showed to those around him. He took great pride in his farm, but above all, he valued the time spent with family and friends. His life was a testament to the importance of hard work and treating others with respect. His legacy will live though the many lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the memories he leaves behind. He will be deeply missed by all that knew him, but his love, wisdom and example will remain in the hearts of his family and friends for generations to come.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Holzer Assisted Living, Grant Medical Center, and SOMC Hospice Center for the excellent care they provided.

Calling hours will be held on Friday, October 16th, 2026, from 4-8 PM at the Lewis & Gillum Funeral Home of Jackson. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 16th, 2026, at 1PM at Wesley Cove Church with burial after at Salem Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to www.lewisgillum.com.