Earl Franklin Hacker

Earl Franklin Hacker, 81, of Tornado, West Virginia, was called home to be with the Lord on September 8, 2023. A devoted man of God, he passed peacefully in his home in the presence of his loving family, ending his most recent of hard-fought battles against lung cancer. Born September 21, 1941 in Braxton, West Virginia, Earl was the youngest child of the Reverend Homer Dale and Nevah Gertrude Hacker. Growing up in the hills of Appalachia at such a time, he learned of Jesus Christ and hard work at a young age. His father was a coal miner turned preacher who instilled a dedication to bible studies, family, and a strong work ethic throughout his youth. Earl spent many summers boarding with and working for local farmers. It was also in these years that he enjoyed the fruits of being a country boy who loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing, football, and spending time with his three brothers and his sister. Earl attended Burnsville High School and in 1958, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Army by parental permission to further support his family back at home. His love of hunting and the outdoors made him a natural fit for such a venture and the country boy excelled in every way during his military days. He would go on to become a Jumpmaster School graduate serving in the 101st Airborne Division, B Troop, 17th Air Calvary out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Some of his proudest and most adventurous days were spent serving his country as a Paratrooper and Communications Chief prior to his honorable discharge in 1966. Earl met the love of his life while stationed in Fort Hood, Texas, and he and his “Yellow Rose of Texas,” Glenda Sue Patterson, wed on December 11, 1964. Their desire to start a family was his reason for leaving the service. They began that family with their first daughter, Lisa, being born in 1968, followed by Stacy in 1972, and a son, Brad, in 1977. After his military service, Earl worked in several fields, including chemical operations in Ohio, before beginning a career in sales in the early 1970s. His work ethic and desire to craft a better life for his family would lead them to many states and many new opportunities. After excelling in work for insurance companies in areas of West Virginia, Virginia, and finally Florida, Earl decided to embark on his own journey as a business owner and operator and moved the family back to his home state. He founded his own company in 1985 and its success not only led to greater opportunities for his family, but for many and their families who would find opportunities through his leadership. Earl’s business achievements were truly a blessing to many, but certainly not his greatest accomplishment in life. The seeds planted during his youth by his father that grew, influenced, and impacted the lives of countless many as his life unfolded were certainly his greatest of riches. His love of family was fierce, only paralleled by his love of God. For all he worked for in this life, he would give anything he had to those in need. He fought for those he loved, and he loved all unconditionally. This came to him not only through those planted seeds, but through the losses and afflictions he suffered over the years. His “Yellow Rose” passed in 2004 and he never recovered fully from her death. His eldest daughter, Lisa, passed in her sleep many weeks after a kidney transplant in 2019. Finally, his son, Brad, passed in December of 2022. Losing two of his three children most certainly broke his heart but he remained a warrior in spirit, fighting his last battle with lung cancer until his final moments. Earl’s life was not all work. He was a diehard Dallas Cowboy fan, which he of course passed to his children. He remained an avid outdoorsman, enjoying time in son’s early years deer hunting, fishing, and on the golf course together. He continued to share his love of nature with his grandchildren, and supported their interests and activities from football, baseball, show choir, art expeditions, gymnastics, soccer, and of course, academics. From the father of three, to “Papa” or “Pops,” Earl’s favorite pastime always involved his family and his best buddies, his German Shepherds. Earl Hacker’s life started with humble beginnings. He became a warrior for his country, for his family, and most importantly, for Christ Jesus. Earl was not only a supporter of his family, but spent years and years generously giving his time, support, his love, and his wisdom to the greater community. He loved football, Friday nights, and supporting youth in all their endeavors, including not only his grandchildren, but all who would embrace him as their “Papa” or “Pops.” For as much as the world took from him, he gave. Earl is survived by his daughter Stacy Gail (Ted) Mobley of Hurricane, West Virginia, grandchildren, Bella Jordan (20) and Parker Braddock Mobley (15), along with grandchildren Nicholas Paul (Brittany) Rice (29), Abigail Sue Rice (17), great-grandson Kasey Wilder Rice (23 months); and brother Dale Hacker Jr. (Gaylene). He is preceded in death by his wife Glenda Sue Hacker; children Lisa Rice-Carney and Bradley Earl Hacker; father and mother, Homer Dale and Nevah Gertrude Hacker; brothers James (Ruth) and Duane (Charlotte) Hacker, and sister Ann Nicholas (Jerry). His remaining family is comforted in the knowledge that Earl was ready to be with Jesus, and by His blood will enjoy eternal life with his “Yellow Rose,” daughter, and son. They rejoice in knowing he is not suffering because as Earl believed, his sins are forgiven, and he has been made whole again. Earl’s life will be honored in a private family memorial service at a later date as to honor his wishes. They ask not for flowers or donations, but only offer that if you do not have the assurance of eternal life, Jesus is waiting for you to ask Him into your heart. We rest knowing that he is in ours and that we will see our beloved father, grandfather, and brother again.

Earl Franklin Hacker

September 21, 1941 - September 8, 2023