COLUMBUS
Earl (Pappy) was born on December 21, 1937 to Inez and Oris Stam in Columbus, Indiana. He graduated from Columbus High School in 1955 and Franklin College in 1960.
He married the love of his life, Ruthann Schwartzkopf on June 22, 1956. He is survived by a sister Wendola Thompson; five children: Scott (Pippa) Stam, Keith (Tracy) Stam, Gary (Shanthi) Stam, Aleta (Kip) Kiel and Angie Ballard; fifteen grandchildren: Heidi Lawrence, Heather (Carlos) Florido, Eric (Jaylyn) Stam, Katie (Brian) Irk, Jessica (Josh) Meek, Kasey (Shannon) Collins, Jake, Josh and Devin (Olivia) Stam, Caleb (Aleda) Stam, Drew, Dusty (Jessica) and Gunner Kiel, Garvin Ballard, Macy (Ben) Copple; and 20 great grandchildren: Paige, Breanna and Noah Lawrence, Liz, Bella and AJ Florido, Charlotte, Rose and Wrigley Irk, Adalyn Stam, Ryder, Hayden, Jaxton and Tatum Meek, Calum Stam, Evie and Harper Collins, Winry Stam, Lennox and Emory Kiel; as well as many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were Ruthann and two sisters, Wanda Jones and Emogene Alfs.
He taught high school music at North Vernon High School (2 years) and then Franklin High School (2 years). One summer he performed at Starlight Musicals (summer stock) then traveled to New York to audition for a broadway show. He was a cast member of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”. After Broadway he came home to Columbus and was the manager of Camera and Hobby Shop for thirteen years. He was a salesman with 3M Company for five years, Graphics Manager with Cummins for two years and founder and owner of Univision satellite tv for nine years.
Earl and Ruthann performed music at numerous weddings and funerals. Earl directed and Ruthann accompanied several Lutheran church choirs in Bartholomew County for most of their adult life.
A celebration of life service will be conducted at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at St. Paul Lutheran Church-Clifty with the Rev. Douglas Bauman officiating. Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street. A private family graveside service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church Cemetery..
The family request that in lieu flowers memorial contributions be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com
