Earl A. Courtney, Sr. passed away Tuesday, October 30, 2012. He was born March 27, 1942 in Kalamazoo, the son of Earl L. Courtney and Theda (Crummel) Courtney. Earl was a life long resident of the Kalamazoo Area. He was employed by Gibson Guitar Co. starting as a buffer and working his way up to supervisor. He then worked for General Motors Corp. in Comstock for thirty-seven years until his retirement. Back in the 1970's, Earl became a Christian. He was an avid reader of The Bible. He began to share his faith with many people. Soon after, his mother, father and two brothers came to know Jesus as their Savior as he had. Earl became a member of Kalamazoo Valley Family Church. He soon became a teacher and a leader. God used him to bring many to Christ. Perhaps you are one of them reading this now. Surviving were his six children, Earl (Jackie) Courtney, Scott (Sheila) Courtney, Troy Goode, Brent Hoos, David Courtney and Ricanne Courtney; ten grandchildren; two brothers, Kenneth Courtney and Gary (Yvonne) Courtney Sr.