Earl L. "The Pearl" Derr

Earl L. Derr, 87, of Mertztown, passed away on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Lehigh Valley Hospital - Pocono Campus. He was the husband of Gladys A. (Schaeffer) Kline, with whom he shared many wonderful years filled with love, companionship, and countless memories.

Born in Breinigsville, Lehigh County, PA, Earl was a son of the late Irwin B. and Anna A. (Eisenhard) Derr. Earl was employed by Mack Trucks, Inc., Macungie, as an assembler and fire line for 18 years until his retirement. Earl also worked in the body shop at the former Newman Chevrolet, Allentown, and Clemens Auto Body in Mertztown.

Known as "Earl the Pearl Derr, The Mighty Man from Mertztown", Earl was a local racing legend. He started his racing career by racing at Vargo Dragway in Perkasie, PA. Earl was most known for driving his #75 stock car from 1968 until 1983. He raced at iconic tracks including US 13 Dragway, Georgetown Speedway, Harrington Raceway, Nazareth Speedway, Penn National Speedway and Reading Fairgrounds Speedway. Earl was passionate about racing. He was a member of the Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, where he was recognized in 2014 as a Champion, and The Checkered Flag Fan Club.

Earl also honorably and faithfully served his country in The United States Air Force. He was a legionnaire and was a member of the Ray A. Master Post 217, American Legion, Topton. He was an avid woodworker and spent many hours building things for his family and friends. Earl and Gladys also enjoyed cruising and recently completed their 21st cruise.

In these times of reflection and remembrance, let us come together to celebrate Earl's rich life, the love he shared, and the joy he brought to all of us. May we find comfort in our memories of him, sharing stories and laughter while honoring the legacy of a truly remarkable man.

Along with his wife and beloved companion of 58 years, Gladys, Earl is survived by his daughter, Bonnie L. (Derr) Hager, companion of Eddie Carey, Salisbury, MD; step-daughters, Tina C. (Kline) Fronheiser, wife of Kirlin Fronheiser, Alburtis, PA, Kathy L. (Kline) Bailey, wife of Daniel Bailey, Kutztown, PA, and Kimberly R. (Kline) Weller, wife of Richard Weller, Mertztown, PA; six grandchildren, Allison Ignasias, Wesley Hager, Joshua Weller, Amy Hahn, Paige "Carrie" Lambert, and Sarah Bailey; and four great-grandchildren, Aubrey, Braydon, Lillian and Alexander. In addition to his parents, Earl was predeceased by his two sisters, Virginia (Derr) Geist and Edna (Derr) Kauffman.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., 333 Greenwich Street, Kutztown, PA, followed by a funeral service to celebrate and honor Earl's life at 11:30 a.m. officiated by The Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Sassaman. Burial, with military honors, will be held privately in Berks County Memorial Gardens, Fleetwood.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Earl's memory to The Reading Fairgrounds Racing Historical Society, P.O. Box 427, Temple, PA 19560.

Ludwick Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, Inc., Kutztown, PA, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting Earl's his obituary tribute page at www.Ludwickfh.com.