Earl Polk, 76, died suddenly Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at the Farmer's Market.  He was born May 6, 1945, in Hutchinson, to Calvin Arnold and Earline Estell (Stoughton) Polk.

During his childhood, Earl lived at Castleton and helped his grandfather, Earl Stoughton at Riverbanks Orchard.  In 1963, he graduated from Pretty Prairie High School.  Earl then attended Hutchinson Community College, and graduated from Kansas State University with a Degree in Horticulture.  Following Kansas State, he served in the United States Army from 1967 to 1969.  After returning to Reno County, Earl worked seven years for his grandfather at Riverbanks Orchard, spending three years operating it.  In 1977, Earl bought a market in Medora, "Polk's Farm Market".  For over 44 years, and even at the time of his death, Earl was still selling fruits and vegetables at Polk's Farm Market and the Farmer's Market. Raising and selling fruits and vegetables, especially peaches and pumpkins, were Earl's passion.  In addition, in 1985, he helped found the Reno County Producers Market, and was still an active member.

In 1963, Earl met the love of his life, Pam Greenfield while working at Riverbanks Orchard.    On December 31, 1965, they were married in Hutchinson, sharing over 55 years of marriage. In 1981, they were blessed with a daughter, Sparkle Strawberry Greenfield Polk.  Earl and Pam were a team, working alongside each other, with their daughter and her family when it came to running Polk's Farm Market.

Earl is survived by:  wife, Pam; daughter, Sparkle Faidley (Luke); grandchildren, Malachie Lehmann (fiancée Ali Roberts) and Sophia Faidley; nephews, J. J. Polk (Amanda) and Jeff Polk (Jacy); brother-in-law, John Murphy (Micki); uncle, Larry Black; brother-in-law, Billy Greenfield (Ruthann); and a host of customers, who were more like family.

He was preceded in death by:  his parents; sister, Debbie Polk Murphy; and brother, Jerry Polk.

Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, July 12, 2021, at Elliott Chapel, with John Murphy officiating. Cremation will follow the service.  Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary, with the family present Sunday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Click here to view Earl's Funeral Service

Memorials are suggested to the Reno County Producers Market, Inc., in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.