Bill W. Easter, 65, of Ripley went home to be with the Lord ushered in by the saints after a long illness.
He was born on April 29, 1951 to Ralph and Marie Easter of Ripley. He worked alongside his father and brother, Ralph Clayton at Cloverleaf Construction. He was the former owner of Cedar Lakes Greenhouses and Evergreen Florist and Christian Supply. He retired from the Jackson County Board of Education. His life’s testimony was a steadfast love for his Lord. He was a lifelong member of Salt Hill Community Church and sang with the Christian Four for many years. He passed on his avid love of music to his children and grandchildren.
After a long discussion with his family, he decided, “I’ll just go home then.” For the first time in months, he was at peace. He was alert and witty. Family and friends visited through the evening with him laughing and some crying. Patty Hall’s angelic voice led us in “Go Rest High”. His 92 year old mother stood and held the hand of her baby boy three weeks after losing her eldest son to this same cancer. Several times throughout the evening Bill shared that he saw his nephew John Eric Stephens who had already arrived in
Heaven. He saw Kenneth Holcomb, natural father of Bill’s two oldest daughters (we believe he was thanking Bill for loving and raising his girls as his own). He saw beautiful people walking through the room. He told each of his three girls goodbye and shared how much he loved them. He spent his last precious moments alone with his wife, Sharon. Then he closed his eyes and entered Heaven surrounded by family. He didn’t labor in breathing, he didn’t give up his mind
or wit. He left this earth showing everyone his love and his faith. He is better now; but boy, he is so missed.
Survivors include: wife of 47 years, Sharon Fields Easter of
Ripley; daughters Teresa (Cecil) Whitehouse of Cottageville, Patty Ann (Denny) Myers of Evans, and Rhonda (J. Perry) McCutcheon of Evans; mother, Marie of Sandyville; sisters Barbara (Mike) Hyre of Given and Janet Lemley of Sandyville; 12 grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his father, Ralph and brother, Ralph Clayton.
A celebration of life was held 4 p.m. Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Waybright Funeral Home, Ripley with Pastors David Fields, Jeff Keffer, and Dr. Franklin Howerton officiating. Visitation was from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Following the service there was a meal prepared in the Parsons-Vail Family Center located inside the funeral home. Private burial at the family’s discretion will be at a later date.
