Justin M. Easter's Obituary
CHARLESTON, IL - Justin Michael Easter, age 40 of Charleston, passed away in the comfort of his home and in the presence of loving family on Sunday, October 5, 2014. Visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, October 8, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring and celebrating his life will be held at the funeral chapel at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, immediately following the visitation, with Pastor Tom Skinner officiating. Burial will follow in the Janesville Cemetery near Lerna, Illinois. It is requested that in lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations in his honor be made to the American Cancer Society or to the Mattoon Chapter of 3 Little Birds for Life. 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. Justin was born on October 2, 1974 in Charleston, the son of Michael R. and Phyllis (Foote) Easter. He married Sarah Estes on June 23, 2012 at Fox Ridge State Park south of Charleston. In addition to his loving wife Sarah and his parents, he is survived by a brother, Jason Easter of Charleston; his uncles, Rich (Michelle) Foote, Dan (April) Easter; his aunts, Sandra (William) Owen, Joyce Easter, Nancy Easter-Shick, Connie (Jim) Heaton, Betty Easter and Delores Easter; great uncles, Gerald (Eunice) Foote and Holly Easter; a great aunt, Erma Plummer; numerous cousins; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Barbara Estes of Mattoon; and his brother-in-law, Matthew Estes of Fremont, California. Justin was preceded in death by his grandparents; uncles, Jerry and Bud Easter; and aunts, Sharon Benningfield and Clara Lou Easter. Justin was a 1992 graduate of Charleston High School. He began his education in the Criminal Justice program at Lake Land College during which time he interned with the Coles County Sheriff's Department. He furthered his education at Eastern Illinois University. From December of 1996 until March of 2013 he was employed with the Coles County Sheriff's Department as a Sergeant and Certified Training Officer. Justin always had the utmost respect for his fellow officers and considered them to be friends. He was an officer who was committed to his chosen career and was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Justin always enjoyed attending church with family at Friendship Baptist Church located east of Charleston and in March of 2012 affirmed his faith through baptism at Central Community Church in Mattoon. Justin truly enjoyed music. His ten years of piano lessons as a youth prepared him for many enjoyable hours at the keyboard as an adult, and he enjoyed listening to all genres of music and going to live concerts. He enjoyed shooting hoops and was a fan of the Chicago Bears and an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan. He also loved watching movies and traveling and experiencing new places. He was also extremely tech-savvy and very knowledgeable regarding the newest electronic items on the market. But Justin's favorite pastime was spending quality time and experiencing life with his loved ones. He possessed a kind and generous spirit and not only saw the best in others but brought out the best in those whose lives he touched. He will forever be remembered and loved for his admirable qualities.Click here to Dustin's memorial video.
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