Earl Eugene Sleeper

Earl Eugene Sleeper, age 73, of San Angelo, Texas, was raised into the arms of Jesus on January 11, 2026. He was born on September 14, 1952, to William E. Sleeper and Grace P. (Craver) Sleeper in Elkhart, Kansas.

Earl grew up on a family farm outside of Elkhart in Texas County, Oklahoma—God’s Country. He attended Yarbrough School and graduated in 1970. After high school, he attended Oklahoma Panhandle State University (affectionately known as “Tumbleweed Tech”), where he began his pursuit of a military career through the Army ROTC program. During this time, he also earned his private pilot’s license.

Upon graduation, Earl proudly served his country as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany, among other locations. Although he served approximately four years on active duty, he continued his military service for many years as a reservist.

After leaving active duty and while living in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Earl met his bride, Pam Sleeper. They were married on May 10, 1980, in Elkhart, Kansas. Earl continued his service to the nation with U.S. Customs, where he served in numerous roles for 27 years until his retirement in 2009; he lovingly referred to his retirement as being “Fired with Save Pay”.

Survivors include his wife, Pam Sleeper of San Angelo, Texas; his children, Barbara and James Miller of Owasso, Oklahoma; Levi and Dana Sleeper of Wolfforth, Texas; and Kelly Sleeper of San Angelo, Texas; and his grandchildren, Lydia and Adi Sleeper, Gary Miller, and Sarah and Amanda Sleeper. He is also survived by his siblings, Allen and Terri Sleeper of New London, Missouri; Tracie Bowker of Richfield, Kansas; and Bruce Sleeper of Liberal, Kansas.

Earl was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Bill and Grace Sleeper; his son, Earl E. Sleeper Jr.; and many other beloved family members.

Celebration of Life services will include a viewing at Harper Funeral Home in San Angelo, Texas, on Thursday, January 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in San Angelo, Texas, on Friday, January 16, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a graveside service with military honors at Elkhart Cemetery in Elkhart, Kansas, on Monday, January 19, at 10:00 a.m.