May 26, 2026 - The United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) deeply mourns the passing and honors the life and legacy of International District 12 Vice President Stephen “Steve” Earle, who passed away on May 22, 2026, at the age of 74. A tireless champion for the working class, Vice President Earle spent nearly 50 years on the front lines, fighting side-by-side with working families to secure historic victories for coal miners across the nation.

Born in Greenville, Kentucky, on August 17, 1951, Earle began working at the UMWA in 1977. In 2008, he was elected International Vice President for District 12, a position he held by acclamation for three consecutive terms.

“Steve Earle was far more than an executive officer; he was at the very core of our most important struggles,” said UMWA International President Brian Sanson. “When you look at the major turning points for our union over the last half-century, Steve was always involved. Steve led with a rare combination of fierce determination and deep humility. We extend our love and support to his wife, Bonita, their children, and grandchildren.”

 Stephen “Steve” Earle

Earle’s leadership helped navigate the union through its most defining modern chapters, including the historic 1989 Pittston Coal strike and the bankruptcy battles for health care and pensions in the last decade.

“Steve was a lifelong friend,” said UMWA International President Emeritus Cecil E. Roberts. “From the front lines of the Pittston strike to the battles at Patriot Coal, and all the way to the Halls of Congress, Steve was there leading the charge. The Union won these historic victories because of our members’ willingness to fight and because we had leaders like Steve Earle who refused to back down.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Tucker Funeral Home (113 North Third Street, Central City, KY).