In Olive Specter's memories, you see that she was engaged to Earl, but he left her at the altar and then died soon after.
Earl E. DeMise Death
Earl died young due to electrocution, and his cause of death has not yet been truly determined.
Earl's grave can be found in the cemetery on Olive's lot in Strangetown.
Other
His name, Earl E. DeMise refers to how young he died, i.e. "early demise".