Earl Douglas Viets was born March 1, 1923 in Cole Camp, Missouri to Otto and Leora (Forrest) Viets. The family moved to Springfield in 1933 for his father to serve in Troop D Headquarters for the Highway Patrol. After graduating from Senior High (Central) in '41, Earl enlisted in the Navy. He served in both WWII and Korean War as First Class Officer for US Navy Specialist Q Communications Director stationed US Treasury Department, Cape Cod, and Guam. Following his service he worked as Credit Manager for Sedgwick Furniture Store. During retirement he took on House Mom for Cox North School of Nursing and then several years as a volunteer for the Grey-Campbell Homestead.

Earl was active in his church, where he served on numerous committees, Elder, Lutheran Laymen's League, Senior Safari, and a TRUTH Puppeteer. He enjoyed collecting model cars, singing and dancing to Frank Sinatra, and riding motorcycles.

Earl was preceded in death, by his wife of 57 years, Judith (Webb); his parents Otto and Leora (Forrest); brothers Hilard, Robert, Otto and sister Lena May. He is survived by his children Linda (Michael) Fraser, of Bolivar; Paul (Debbie), Doug, Amy (Dennis) Cooper all of Springfield; Josie (Lee) Stubblefield of Rogers, Arkansas; a sister, Betty Smith of Lee's Summit; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the genuine skilled staff of The Arbors at Lakewood; the staff of Intrepid/Hospice Care; and special thanks to Liz and Tiffany for the great love and tenderness offered to Earl during difficult times.

Services will be conducted on Thursday, January 7, 2021 @ 10:00am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Springfield. Graveside services at Eastlawn will follow. In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorial contributions to Trinity Lutheran Church.