William L. "Sonny" Pearl, age 91, of Greensburg, Indiana, formerly of Milton, Kentucky, and the son of the late Louis E. and Elsie M. (Wilkerson) Pearl, was born on May 22, 1935, in North Vernon, Indiana. In March 1953, Sonny enlisted in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and proudly serving his country for more than 28 years until his retirement in April 1981. Following his military career, he continued his service through the Army National Guard.. For many years, he worked in the office at Cummins and later worked as a security guard at King's Daughters' Hospital in Madison. On October 14, 2000, he was united in marriage to Madge "Dalene" Arnett and they enjoyed almost eighteen years together until her passing. Throughout the years, he was involved in the Masonic Lodge in Milton and with the Murat Shriners in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sonny was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and was a member of the Antioch Baptist Church in Bedford, Kentucky. It was at Antioch Baptist Church where he formed a dear friendship with Wayne Jones, Reverend Ferrill Davis, and the Davis family who all loved him like their own. In his spare time, Sonny enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending time with his church family. He was an avid University of Kentucky fan and loved his family dearly. Mr. Pearl passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026 at Arbor Grove Village in Greensburg, Indiana.

His life will be cherished by his sons: William "Bill" Pearl, Jr. of Greensburg, Indiana and David Pearl and his wife, Darlene of Westport, Indiana; his grandchildren: Bill, Leann, Clayton, Kyle, Misha, Zeb, Ridge, Amber, and Caitlyn; 20 great grandchildren; one great great grandchild; his step-daughters: Dawn Arnett-Wingham of Bedford, Kentucky and Dana Dailey of Deputy, Indiana; and several step-grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Madge "Dalene" Arnett; his daughters: Athena Pearl Gearhart and Jennifer Pearl Asher; his grandsons: Allen Pearl and Christopher Pearl; his brothers: Tom Pearl, Ben Pearl, and Charles Pearl; and his sisters: Alicia Alexandria and Mary Ann Wilder.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Welty Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lytle Chapel, 117 Holt Drive, Madison with interment to follow in Moffett Cemetery in Milton, Kentucky. Friends and family may visit at the Welty Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lytle Chapel from 11:00 AM until the time of the service on Wednesday.

The United States Army and Major Samuel Woodfill Post #9, American Legion will provide military honors at the cemetery.

The family requests memorial contributions be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the American Heart Association. Contributions may be made at the Welty Family Funeral Home or below.