Earl Carson Capps, 77, of Moore, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday, July 17, surrounded by family and friends.

Born in Oklahoma City on January 14, 1947 to M. C. and Lee Capps, Earl attended Western Heights, where he developed a love of music and played percussion. Earl majored in music education at Southwestern Oklahoma State University and Central State College.

During college, Earl met Marquita Loveless and immediately knew she was "the one". They married on December 20, 1968. Throughout their 55 year marriage, Earl carried Marquita's wedding photo in his wallet. Earl was the best "girl dad" to their daughter, Melinda.

After college, Earl established the band program in Ringling, Oklahoma. Earl and Marquita moved back to Moore in 1972, when he began working in Moore Public Schools. He consistently directed award-winning bands, but his joy was watching his students grow. He loved seeing former students and sharing stories.

In 1993 Earl became an administrator, overseeing Alternative Education, Career Tech, and Child Nutrition programs for Moore Public Schools. Vista Academy, which he initiated, was one of Oklahoma's earliest alternative education programs and received the Circle for Excellence Award from the Oklahoma Foundation for Excellence in 2005, one of his biggest achievements.

After retiring in 2015, Earl stayed busy—he and Marquita were longtime members of Friendship Church and Earl spent many years as Pastoral Administrator, managing the church's day to day operations. He and Marquita had a small antiques booth for several years and often spent Saturdays at estate sales. He loved all things OU, especially football.

Earl lived a life of love and service. He leaves behind wife, Marquita; daughter, Melinda; much-loved nieces, nephews, and cousins; and countless friends. He was preceded in death by parents, M.C. and Lee; brothers, Skip and Ronnie; and sisters, Lorellie and Carol.