Karl G. Earling, age 80, formerly of Dunkirk, died Wednesday October 24, 2018 at The Laurels of Dekalb, Butler.  Born in Muncie on May 18, 1938, he grew up in Dunkirk and graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1956, attended Ball State University, and received technical training at Rockford Technical Institute.  He was a resident of Fort Wayne and Columbia City for several years.  He began his career at Mall Bros. in Winchester, was a tool designer at Magnavox in Ft. Wayne, and finished his career as a tool designer at Kilgore Manufacturing in Columbia City.  Karl was a lifelong musician.  As a self-taught string bass player, he played jazz in several well-known venues in the Ft. Wayne area.  His memberships included those at First Church of God, Columbia City, Masonic Lodge, Columbia City, and Scottish Rite Valley of Fort Wayne.

Survivors include two sons: William Earling, NC, and Gerald "Scott" Earling, Columbia City; two sisters: Sue Carolyn Gettinger (husband: Paul), Merom, and Jeri Ann Wentzel (husband: Tim), Hicksville, OH, and six grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his son: Jeffrey Earling and his parents: Gerald & Doris (Richey) Earling.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday October 28, 2018 from 2 until 4 p.m. at Meacham Funeral Service, Albany.

Services will be 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home with burial at Gardens of Memory Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.