Earl Colton

Salina, Utah - Leonard Earl Colton, age 90, of Salina, passed away May 18, 2017 in Kearns, Utah. He was born November 5, 1926 in American Fork, a son of Gilbert Jack and Mary Ann Steggell Colton. Leonard has, and will always be known as Earl to the people who know and love him. As a youth of 17, he joined the US Navy and became a radio operator during World War II. Also as a young man, he was well known for his hand balancing and weight lifting. He also enjoyed hunting with a bow and arrow, fishing and golfing. Earl married Leola Thompson at the age of 22 on June 19, 1948 in Duchesne, and had 4 daughters before they divorced, 11 years later. During those years he went to Electronic School at Radio Institute, which helped him to get a job with the Federal Aviation Administration. Soon after his divorce, he married Sharlene Joyce Olson Petrarca, October 6, 1960 in Salt Lake City and remained married till Sharlene's death on April 20, 2016. Earl and Sharlene moved to Salina in 1981 and gained a wonderful relationship with his neighbors, who he loved and relied on, especially in his later years. Earl was a great provider for his entire family and he will be greatly missed. He leaves behind his 4 daughters: Sherrie (John) Brown of Alamo, Nevada; Alice (Denny) Congrove, Julie (Mike) Webster, all of Riverton; Meladie (Tom) Sundloff of Murray; as well as 11 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Mildred Thuet, Verl King and Dean King. As per his request, there will be no public services. "We Love You Dad!"