Thomas Richard Easley
6/23/1938 - 3/31/2024
Thomas Richard Easley, born June 23, 1938 in San Diego, CA., passed away in Houston, Texas on Easter Sunday, March 31, 2024. He is preceded in death by: Thomas Howard and Elsie May Easley (parents), Mavis Easley (step-mother), Christina Lynn (daughter), Ian Kyndale Cooper (grandson), Jerry Ralph Easley (brother), and Paul Lee Cooper (son-in-law).
He is survived by Ada Jane Jones Easley, wife of 65 years. Ronnie Easley (brother), Beverly Easley Dorris (sister), and daughters: Edie Sanders (Brian), Colleen Cooper, Andrea Stunz (Tommy), Gwen Follett (Mike) and a host of grandchildren including grands, greats, and a great great grand.
Tom/Richard was born in the US Naval Hospital in San Diego, CA. Shortly after, his family moved to Lufkin, TX and later moved to Velasco, TX where he met Jane in 1951. They married on July 5th, 1958. He was famous for sharing that America won their independence on July 4th and he lost his on July 5th. The newlyweds left the next day and moved to his naval post in Charleston, SC, subsequently serving in the U.S. Navy for six years. Honorably discharged, his family moved to Freeport, TX where he worked various jobs until hiring on with Dow Chemical Co. as a highly-respected metallurgist and welder. In 1974, his family moved to Brazil on a Dow assignment until 1979. A short stent with Dowell Schlumberger took his family to Longview, TX then returned to Dow Chemical in Freeport, retiring in 1992. ''Refusing'' to retire, he went to work the next day for U.S. Contractors where he was highly valued and respected for his skills as Quality Control Supervisor until 2002. He intermittently taught at Brazosport College, sharing his knowledge and expertise with many.
In 1963, after dating Jane and attending church with her, he gave his heart to Jesus, was baptized, and joined the church. He became more serious about living out his faith after a family tragedy in 2000, which is also when he became more of the softer dad and grandfather we know and love.
Tom/Richard was active in many organizations that furthered his beliefs and convictions and fed his long list of hobbies.
A list of his beloved hobbies included: Gunsmithing, building hot rod cars, fishing, boating, camping, working on motors, welding, jewelry making, and winding his clocks. If these could be done with his brother, Jerry, or others he loved, all the better.
He was a multi-faceted personality with a fierce love for his family. He lived his life with integrity, high values, and honor. His distinguishing characteristics include: belligerent indifference for personal fashion, creative ingenuity, strong work ethic, funny, storyteller, stubborn, loyal, consistent, brilliant, opinionated, determined, honest, and trustworthy.
He was generous with ''I love you.'', ''How are you doing?'', ''How can I help?'' A one-of-a-kind, tough exterior with a tender heart, and strong and gentle hands. He loved deeply.
His girls will carry with them his trademark final words before ending a phone call, ''We're due for a visit.'' Then after a long meaningful pause, ''I love you, Shug.''
His grandkids admire him. His friends and coworkers respect him. His wife loves him deeply and went above and beyond to care for him. His daughters adore him. Thankfully, by God's grace, we look forward to seeing him again.
His absence leaves a significant void, but his influence will live on for generations.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Brazosport Baptist Temple, 1203 CR 205, Angleton, Texas 77515, at 11 a.m. on April 6, 2024. Graveside service with military honors at Houston National Cemetery is pending.
In lieu of flowers:
MercyShips.org
P.O. Box 1930
Garden Valley Texas 75771
Stjudes.org
ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place
Memphis, TN 38105
Obituary Provided By:
www.lakewoodfuneralchapel.com
info@lakewoodfuneralchapel.com
979-297-6464
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