Holly O. Easter's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Holly O. Easter, age 96 of Charleston, went to be with his Lord and Savior, while at Charleston Rehabilitation and Health Care Center on Saturday, November 29, 2014. Visitation for family and friends will be held today, Tuesday, December 2, 2014 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at the funeral chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2014 with Pastor Tom Skinner officiating. Burial, with Military Rites conducted by the Honor Guard of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592, will follow in Roselawn Cemetery in Charleston. It is requested that thoughtful donations in his honor be made to a charity of the donor's preference. Gifts may be left on the memorial table at the visitation or service or may be mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920. Holly was born on August 10, 1918 in Charleston, one of nine children born to the late George "Red" and Jane (Golladay) Easter. He married Violet Gerine Shick on March 30, 1940 in the house that would eventually become their home. It was there that they celebrated nearly 69 years of marriage, prior to her death on February 18, 2009, and where they raised a wonderful family. He leaves quite a legacy including eight children, James Donald Easter and wife Shirley of Mattoon, Judith Lynn Halsey and husband Robert, Gary Dale "Beef" Easter and wife Mary, John Marshall Easter, all of Charleston, Leslie Dean Easter and wife Valerie of Park Forest, Illinois, Donna Sue Easter, Randall Gene Easter and Ronald Kirk Easter and wife Jan, all of Charleston; 22 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren with another on the way; 14 great-great-grandchildren with two more on the way; and numerous nieces and nephews. Holly was also preceded in death by four sisters, four brothers, two great-grandchildren, and Kay Driscoll who was raised in he and Violet Gerine's home and was considered to be one of their own. Holly was a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps who honorably served his country during WWII. He worked with the Civilian Conservation Corps and was a car salesman for 40 years mainly working for area Ford dealerships. Holly was a Life Member of the Charleston VFW Paul McVey Post 1592; the DAV Marine Corp League; the local Marine Corps League; the American Legion in Mattoon where he was a former Post Commander; the Charleston Moose Club; the Mattoon Eagles Club and the former Charleston Eagles Club. Holly also served on the Charleston Police and Fire Board. He was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church and for many years was actively involved at North Side Baptist Church. Holly possessed a deep and abiding faith that he shared with many through his ministry of providing prayerful visits for those in the hospital, nursing homes or homebound. His entrance, announced by his whistling or singing of a familiar (or not so familiar tune), was sure to brighten one's day. Holly could be described as a self-made man. As a young lad living on the north edge of town, he was self-sufficient and learned how to be a provider for his family at an early age. Holly possessed a wonderful and distinctive voice and could even yodel a tune. Holly's family has many memories of him standing at the piano singing with their mother at the keyboard as his accompanist. He helped to spark the musical interest of so many of his family members. Holly had a sense of humor and took every opportunity to share it. He never met a stranger and his motto was "there is no such thing as a stranger - they are a potential friend that you have not yet met" . Through his family, his friendships, his witty humor and his unwavering faith, Holly made the Charleston community a better place. An abundance of memories are now treasured by so many.Click to view Holly's memorial video.
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