David Anthony Easley, 71, of Carterville, IL and formerly of McLeansboro, IL passed away on Friday, June 25, 2021 in McLeansboro.
He was born in McLeansboro on September 3, 1949 to Denver & Lois (Lowrey) Easley. After graduating from McLeansboro High School in 1967, he joined the United States Army. He completed basic training in Fort Benning, GA then trained as a Paratrooper. While serving in the Vietnam War, he was injured and was awarded the Purple Heart.
He is survived by his first wife and the mother of his children (now divorced) Mary Jane (Parker) Easley, 2 sons: David Shane (Stacy) Easley and Olin Richard (Robin) Easley, a special granddaughter Mika Easley, granddaughter Kristin Gibson, a grandson Kasey Wells. He is also survived by his second wife (now divorced) Martha (Pennington) Easley, 3 step-daughters: Lisa (Laura) Griswold, Debbie (Jimmy) Shroyer, Kim (Ron) Snider, a step-son Jeff (Misty) Parker, 3 sisters and 2 brothers: Margaret (Larry) Frazier of Salem, IL; Helen (Hershel) Simmons of Missouri, Linda (Dale) Taylor of Mt. Vernon, IL; Archie (Kristy) Bowers of McLeansboro, Olin “Buddy” (Louise) Easley of McLeansboro, and an aunt Helen Thackery and an Uncle Tom Lowrey, along with several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by both parents, his grandparents, a grandson Jeremy Gibson, one uncle, one aunt, one niece Teresa Easley, and one nephew Michael Easley.
During his earlier years, after serving in the U.S. Army, he worked in the oil field and then became a commercial truck driver. He drove for Scot Lad Foods in Eldorado, and then worked for several companies as an over-the-road driver until his retirement. He was fortunate enough to have traveled to all 50 states. David enjoyed watching football, baseball, and golfing. He also enjoyed cooking for his family.
A Memorial Service for David Anthony Easely will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the Gholson Funeral Home in McLeansboro with Rev. Robert Abbott officiating. A visitation will be held on Saturday before the service from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at the funeral home. A burial of ashes will take place after the service at Garrison Cemetery in Aden, IL and graveside military rites will be conducted by the McLeansboro American Legion Post #106 and the Illinois Army National Guard Honors Team from Marion, IL.
Online condolences and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.gholsonfuneralhome.com.
The Gholson Funeral Home of McLeansboro is entrusted with arrangements.