John C. Early

John C. Early, 78, of Golden, Colorado, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at home with his loving wife by his side. Born in London, Kentucky, John grew up in Metropolis, Illinois, where he was a sports enthusiast, winning MVP in a youth regional basketball tournament. In high school, he excelled as a baseball pitcher and a football quarterback. John loved bass fishing and playing music; he was a lead guitarist in local bands in Maryland and Colorado.

John was a skilled HVAC technician until his retirement and continued to be very handy wherever needed, passing his skills down to his children whenever he could. John was preceded in death by his parents, Robert C. Early and Edna Marie Early, and his siblings, Donna Early Rudesill and Robert Pat Early.

John is survived by his wife, Judy Bauer-Early; his children, Mindy Payton, Rachel Drummond, and Robert Early; stepsons Zach and Denny Bauer; siblings Sherman Early, Mike Early, and Jill Gaultney; and grandchildren Ben, Micah, Robby, Brandon, BryAsia, Christopher, Leilah, London, Robert, Mariah, Jade, Abigail, and AriElle. John was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.