Earl Junior Minyard passed away peacefully August 15, 2025 in his home surrounded by family. He was 92 years old. He was born to Earl James & Dora (Fannin) Minyard on March 4, 1933. Dora passed away early in his life and his dad remarried Lorraine, who helped raise him. He found the love of his life, Betty, in Killeen, Texas and married her on June 1, 1956. To his family he was Junior, to his daughters he was Dad and to his grandchildren he was Papa.

He grew up in a large family with 8 brothers and 3 sisters. When he was 16 he attempted to join the Army but was turned away. At 17, he tried again and was able to join with his dad's signature. He worked on tanks and missiles and served in many states, and even Germany. While in the Army, he and his wife moved frequently and had 3 daughters. Debbie who was born in St Clair, Michigan, Teresa who was born in Killeen, Texas and Janna who was born in Fairbanks, Alaska. He was in the Army for 20 years when they tried to send him back to Germany, he decided then it was time to retire.

Once settled in Denison, TX, he worked at Foster Datsun as a mechanic for a few years before working at the Denison Post Office for 18 years until he retired.

During the summer you could find him at the lake with his family where he always served his specialty - homemade vanilla ice cream. He enjoyed working with his hands and could fix anything. When you needed a helping hand you could always count on him.

He is survived by his three daughters; Debbie Walsh (John), Teresa Blankenship and Janna (Brandon) Cleveland.  Grandkids; Chad (Danielle) Walsh, Corrie Branham, Alisha Turnbull, Chad Blankenship, Lauren (Ross) Brown and Hunter Cleveland. Great Grandkids; Roxanne Walsh, Carson & Colby Branham, Hudson, Hayden & Harley Burleson, Cayden Blankenship and Nicole Cleveland; Brothers - Freddie, Harrell, Carl and Ricky Minyard and Sisters - Katy Sinor and Retha Chandler.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 65 years, Betty Minyard; his parents Earl and Dora Minyard, step-mom Lorraine; brothers JR, Bob, Billy and Dale and Sister Irene.

Family and friends visitation will be held Thursday, August 21, 2025, 10 – 11 AM at American Funeral Service, Denison, TX, with the funeral service to follow at 11 AM. Reverend Raymond England will be officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great grandsons. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery, Denison, TX with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Antioch Baptist Church in Bells' Emanuels Hands Fund.