Earl J. High, age 78 of Salem, passed away on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at Salem Township Hospital. Earl was born on November 28, 1944 in Danville, IL the son of Earl and Hallie (Bradford) High. He married Annette (Matt) High on July 29, 1986 in Las Vegas, NV and she survives in Salem. In addition to his wife of 37 years, he is survived by his children, Aaron High and wife Ria, Teresa McIntosh and husband Ricki, Tina Tucker and husband Tim, Tim Schmidt and wife Nikki, Tom Schmidt and wife Melissa, Penny Hays, Jimmy Planitz and wife Marla, and Joe Planitz and wife Dee; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; siblings, Ray High and wife Vicki, Charlene Estock, and Ilene Moore; and his dogs, Molly and Abby. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Merle High, Charles High, Don High, and Jerry High. Earl served his country in the United States Army, and was deployed to Vietnam. He retired after a military career as Army Command Sergeant Major. He was an Ainad Shriner, musician who enjoyed playing guitar and singing, and loved to fish. After his retirement he worked as a Veterans Affairs Officer. A Celebration of Life for Earl J. High will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at Crouse Funeral Home in Salem, a Masonic Service and Shriners walk thru will be held immediately prior to the service. Visitation will be from 9:00 am until the time of the service. Interment will be in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis at 2:30 pm on Thursday with military rites accorded at the cemetery. Anyone attending the committal service is asked to meet in the large parking area on the north west side of Sheridan Road by 2:15 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Disabled Veterans of America, or the Wounded Warrior Project.