Earl Marion Custard, 76, husband of Lisa Pearson Custard, of Easley, passed away Wednesday, October 28, 2026.

Born on Mother's Day, May 11, 1950, in Lodi, CA, he was a son of the late Donald Earl "Codger" Custard and the late Winnie Bell Wallace McCallister. He was named Earl Marion in honor of both of his grandfathers, Earl Custard and Marion Wallace.

Earl grew up in Isleton, California, and graduated from Rio Vista High School. Inspired by a book about a submarine cook during his senior year, he discovered a calling that combined his passion for cooking with a commitment to serving his country. In August 1968, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, beginning a distinguished 30-year career as a Chief Petty Officer and Mess Management Specialist aboard nuclear-powered submarines, including the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Sam Houston. His service included patrols off Korea and Vietnam, and he held the unique responsibility of serving as the official voice during a crisis. Earl further honed his culinary skills by graduating from the Johnson & Wales Culinary Institute.

In September 1993, Earl suffered his first stroke, an event that marked a turning point in his spiritual journey. Through the ministries of Pastor Minnick and Pastor Tipton at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, he came to know Christ and embrace the Christian faith. In 2014, Earl publicly affirmed his faith through baptism, making his walk with Christ an enduring part of his life and legacy.

Near the end of his Navy career, Earl met Lisa while serving on shore duty. They married in June 1989 and shared 37 years of love, companionship, and cherished memories. Lisa stood faithfully by his side through life’s joys and challenges, including his difficult battle following a stroke in 2026. Earl passed away on October 28, 2026, following complications from his most recent stroke. Though his life has come to an end, the love he shared and the memories he leaves behind will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

In addition to his loving wife of 37 years, Earl is survived by his daughter, Katherine Custard (Tyse van Luik) of WA; a brother, Ken Custard (Glenda) of CA; sisters, Cecilia Logan (Jaimie) of AL; a brother-in-law, David McGregor; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Michael Custard; and a sister, Mary McGregor.

Memorial services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2026 at Mount Calvary Baptist Church, Greenville.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, November 3, 2026 in the Fireplace Room at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Upstate Warrior Solution, PO Box 27232, Greenville, SC 29616.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Downtown, Easley.