Charles “Earle” Mahaffey was a true Laramie Wyomingite. He was born in Laramie July 28, 1943 to Charles S. and Ruth M. (nee. Walker) Mahaffey.
Earle graduated from Laramie High School in 1961. During high school, he worked at Schaefer’s Grocery. In 1964 Earle began a career as a carrier with the US Postal Service, spanning 34 years. During those years he also had a side job laying tile. He retired from the Postal Service in July 1998 and from tiling several years after that.
In 1962, Earle married his longtime girl, Dorothy Bushey. Together they brought into this world Sheila, Dean, Jerry and Linda. All were born and raised in Laramie.
Earle was passionate about the outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting Christmas trees in the Snowy Range, as well as hunting antelope on the Red Dessert and Elk in area 11. Camping at the “Elk” Camp for two weeks, later turned into four weeks. One year it led him and brother Michael to walk out with snow up to their buttocks!
Another passion of Earle’s was bowling but most of all was the Markel’s Truck Repair softball team. Playing with many friends from high school, Markel’s team played for over 25 years. These friends and teammates still remain a team 20 years after they stopped playing ball.
Earle was preceded in death by Charles and Ruth Mahaffey.
He is survived by his daughter Sheila (Kevin), Dean (Chris), Jerry (Callae), Linda (Teresa), six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, brothers Mike (Jeanie) and Steve (Glenda), several nieces and nephews and many longtime Laramie friends.
Earle left Laramie and this earth on August 14, 2017 after a lengthy illness. Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held 2:00 p.m., Friday, September 15, 2017 at Montgomery-Stryker Funeral Home with Reverend Rhett Ivey, officiating. A celebration of life will follow at 3:00 at the American Legion (417 East Ivinson Street, Laramie, Wyo, 82070).
17 Comments To "Charles “Earle” Mahaffey"
#1 Comment By Jonene Day On August 29, 2017 @ 9:52 am
Early will be missed. A good soul and a good man. Jonene (Jo) Day
#2 Comment By Debbie Pickett On August 29, 2017 @ 10:11 am
To all of the family of Earle, my deepest sympathy for all of you. The Mahaffey “boys” go back a very long time in the life of the Pickett kids from all of the Post Office summer picnics, and through adulthood. I only hope that he is at peace, up in heaven organizing a softball game. You are in my thoughts.
#3 Comment By Richard Rottman On August 29, 2017 @ 11:54 am
I remember playing softball with Earl for many years. He was a great person to be around. You will be missed Earle!
#4 Comment By Aileen Riekens On August 29, 2017 @ 4:27 pm
So sorry to hear about Earle’s passing. He was a true friend to a lot of people and will be missed. I remember the tree cutting and beer after the softball games. My love and condolences to all of his family.
#5 Comment By Brenda Scott On August 29, 2017 @ 6:00 pm
Earle, was like a father to me. Grew up with his daughter Sheila, elk hunted with him and at times he’d pick me up after I’d miss curfew. Always cool & calm somewhat soft spokesmen haha. Love you , Brenda
#6 Comment By Jo Humphreys On August 29, 2017 @ 6:43 pm
Earle would give you the shirt off his back if he thought you needed it. All the fun softball, hunting, camping, and many get together events over the years won’t be forgotten. Maybe he and his “adopted” brother, Jim are getting caught up on their many stories. Rest In Peace Earle
#7 Comment By Jen Beeston On August 29, 2017 @ 6:56 pm
I remember Earl always with a smile on his face and full of kind words whenever I saw him. He raised very fine children who I got to spend many fun times with! Peace be with you all! RIP Earl
#8 Comment By Sharon Link On August 29, 2017 @ 8:07 pm
My deepest sympathy to all of Earl’s family and friends.
#9 Comment By Carole Buckalew On August 30, 2017 @ 6:04 pm
My sympathy goes out to the Mahaffey family and all of Earl’s many many friends who will miss him . He was a good man…a Very good man. I am blessed to have known him.
#10 Comment By Rick and Beverly Duncan Wagner On August 30, 2017 @ 9:07 pm
Mahaffey family: So sorry for your loss. Love and prayers to you all. Rick and Beverly Wagner
#11 Comment By Clifford E Scott On August 31, 2017 @ 11:45 am
My deepest sympathy to Earl’s family / Earle was a long time friend of mine we hunting elk and antelope to geather with my family and his. we play one game of mean pinnucal with Dorothy and Sue on Saturday nights ,we had a ball trying to bet the girls but some times we would let them win ha I will all ways remember Earl the man there was nothing that he woun’t do for you at any time he help me so many times.in S & J flooring Earl was a very spicel friend and I’m going to miss him. May he rest in peace until I see him again some day.
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#12 Comment By kate harrop On September 1, 2017 @ 7:52 am
My sympathy to the family.
#13 Comment By M J Jarmon On September 4, 2017 @ 6:08 pm
I offer my heartfelt condolences to the Mahaffey family and friends of Earlie. When death robs us of someone we love very much, it causes much sadness and grief. Our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah God (Psalm 83;18) gives us hope at Revelations 21: 4 says: “And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore.” Isaiah 33:24 guarantees us: “And no resident will say “I am sick,” ever again. May these promises from Jehovah God bring you comfort. Psalm 34:18 None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, but we are all guaranteed a resurrection. (John 5:28, John 6:40, John 11:23-25, Acts 24:15, Titus 1:2) Again, the family is in my prayers and I offer my heartfelt condolences.
#14 Comment By Hugh McFadden On September 13, 2017 @ 2:24 pm
What I remember first about Earle was that great sweeping centerfield throw to the plate and how heavy the ball was to catch when Earle threw it. He was a good man. I am sorry that he passed on so soon.
#15 Comment By Virginia Schilz On September 15, 2017 @ 3:34 pm
To the friends and family of Earle, may your beautiful memories and shared family events bring to you peace and gratitude for Earle in your life.
#16 Comment By Linda Meserve On September 17, 2017 @ 11:27 am
Sorry to learn of Earle’s passing. I remember well his humor and tiling stories, and he was a bright spot at the American Legion. He will be missed.
#17 Comment By Ryan Butler On December 25, 2022 @ 10:29 pm
Earle was real good friends with my parents. I remember being real little, getting a Snoopy radio stuffed animal, and being at his Christmas parties that, and every, year. It was always so magical and cool. I always looked forward to those. He babysat us as well and was always a cool dude. I regret not inviting him to my wedding. Anyhow, Earle will be missed and I thank him for the positive memories. Always someone I felt could be trusted, I’d be happy to see, made me smile, and cared about me succeeding. I’m glad he did get to see me succeed. Earle, I will always remember your- insanely large- Christmas trees. LOL! Rock on brother!