Earl Rex Cutler was born on November 2, 1935, in Logan, Utah, to Rex Edwin and Eva Blackford Briggs Cutler. He was raised in Newdale, Idaho, as the oldest of seven siblings: Eva Dawn, Ned, Edwin, James, Marilyn, and Ruth. Later, he welcomed eight additional siblings through his stepmother, Beth Briggs: Chee, Lynda, Glendon, Maurie, Scott, Keith, Susan, and BethAnn.
 Earl graduated from Sugar-Salem High School, as a proud “Digger”, where he served as FFA President, played football, and sang at dances alongside his sister Eva Dawn. His lifelong childhood friends included Val and Dean Schwendiman, Merrill Martineau, Jack Ugaki, and their wives.
 He spent much of his early life on farms in the Newdale area, working for local farmers and enjoying time at Green Canyon Hot Springs, and riding his horse, Star.
 After high school, Earl attended Ricks College before serving a three-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Northern California Mission. Shortly after returning home, he received his draft notice and served proudly in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, stationed at Fort Ord, Californiaa time he cherished and viewed as an extension of his missionary service.
 Following his military service, Earl resumed his education at Ricks College, Utah State University, and later Portland State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. While attending school, he met his eternal companion, Hazel Remick, on a blind date. They were married on August 29, 1961, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple.
 After their marriage, Earl worked as a welder and painter on the John Day Dam in The Dalles, Oregon, and later managed Penland Brothers Mayflower Moving Company. He went on to earn a master’s degree in education from Montana State University. Although he completed all requirements for a Doctorateincluding defending his dissertationhe was regrettably denied his Ph.D. due to religious discrimination.
 Initially planning to become a dentist, Earl felt called to teach and accepted an invitation from Boyd K. Packer to join the Church’s Education System. His career as a religious educator spanned Oregon, Montana, and Missouri, where he taught and coordinated Seminary and Institute programs.
 Earl had a deep love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and faithfully served in many leadership capacities within the Church, including as a branch presidency member, bishopric counselor, and Bishop of the Liberty Ward in Liberty, Missouri. One of the greatest joys of his life was serving alongside Hazel as Mission President of the Ohio Cleveland Mission from 1999 to 2002, followed by service in the Salt Lake Temple.
 Earl and Hazel raised their family in Dillon and Bozeman, Montana; Liberty, Missouri; and Salt Lake City, Utah. They are the parents of Duane (Jenny), Steven (Hannah), Timothy, Thomas (Melody), and Krista, [Michael and Jonathan being estranged], and the grandparents of 33 grandchildren and great-grandparents of six.
 Earl was preceded in death by his beloved wife Hazel, his sister Marilyn (Clyde Ricks), grandson, Austin, and 5 brothers-in-law. He is survived by his children; 32 living grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; his siblings Eva Dawn (Leonard Cope), Ned (Penny), Edwin (Becky), James (Pat), Ruth (Boyd Clarke), Chee (Marvin Hansen), Lynda (Michael Brown/Darwin Mathews), Glendon (Pam), Maurie (Breck Barton), Scott (Sandra), Keith (Patty), Susan (Don Parry), and BethAnn (Jim Beard); along with Hazel’s family, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
 He leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, hard work, and love. Earl loved everyone, had a contagious smile and laugh that endeared him to others. He loved the Lord, and looked forward to the day that he would kneel before his Savior, Jesus Christ. His testimony will live on in the lives of his family, friends, students, and missionaries.
 We would like to thank the caregivers at Spring Gardens – Holladay, for their amazing love & kindness shown to our dad.
 Funeral Services will be held on Friday, May 9, at 12:00 pm, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Kenwood 1st Ward, located at 3080 S. Kenwood St., Salt Lake City, Utah. Viewings will be held on Thursday, May 8, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and Friday, prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 am, at the same location. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Pleasant Grove City Cemetery, Pleasant Grove, Utah.
 Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary. Condolences may be expressed to the family at utahvalleyfuneral.com.