Obituary

Frank J. Easley had his final wishes come true at 11 p.m. Friday (Sept. 24, 2010) evening when he passed peacefully in his sleep at his home with family, made possible by the caring staff at Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice.

Frank was born on Dec. 12, 1923, in Emporia to Harry Davenport and Helen Gertrude (Reynolds) Easley. Frank considered it an honor to serve his country when he was inducted into the Army on June 6, 1944, and received 17 weeks of basic training in Camp Blanding, Fla. On Oct. 22, 1944, he married the love of his life, Ruth Luellen, who preceded him in death in 1999. After embarking to Italy later that month, he volunteered for the 101st Airborne Division, 327th Glider Infantry, serving in World War II. He received three battle stars for combat in the Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged on April 23, 1946, after participating in the victory parade down Fifth Avenue in New York City with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Frank was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 971 in Newton.

He retired from the Postal Service as a letter carrier after 30 years of service there and working part time as a linoleum technician for Mayberry’s Furniture on his days off early in his career. Ruth and Frank were lifetime members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton. He kept very busy after retirement, helping at the church, rebuilding Volkswagon Beetles (completing at least six or seven working in his garage), writing poems and telling funny stories. During retirement, he began writing poetry and published three editions of his work.

He is survived by his five sons, Mike (Erica) Easley of Albuquerque, N.M., Randy (Leona) Easley of Albuquerque, Chris Easley of Newton, Tim Easley of Newton and Terry (Nancy) Easley of Fort Collins, Colo.; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Harriet Bruner of Marion and Frances Hurd of Newton; and nieces, nephews, great- and great-great-nieces and nephews and many great friends who loved him dearly. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Helen; his wife, Ruth; sisters, Virginia Easley and Jean Chambers; and a granddaughter, Eden Easley.

Visitation will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home in Newton. Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton, with Father James Mainzer presiding. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Church or Harry Hynes Hospice in care of Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.