Frank J. Easley

Frank J. Easley had his final wishes come true at 11:00 p.m. Friday 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 December 12, 1923 in Emporia, Kansas to Harry Davenport and Helen Gertrude (Reynolds) Easley.

Frank considered it an honor to serve his country when he was inducted into the Army, June 6, 1944 and received 17 weeks basic training in Camp Blanding Florida. On October 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 3 battle stars for combat in the Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. He was honorably discharged April 23, 1946 after participating in the victory parade down 5th Avenue in New York City with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. Frank was also a member of the V.F.W. Post # 971 of Newton, Kansas.

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. Frank was a lifetime member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Newton, Kansas. He kept very busy after retirement, helping at the church, rebuilding VW Beetles (completing at least 6 or 7 working in his garage), writing poems, and telling funny stories. During retirement he also began writing poetry, and published 3 editions of his work.

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.

He is survived by his five sons, Mike (Erica) Easley, Albuquerque, NM, Randy (Leona) Easley, Albuquerque, NM, Chris Easley, Newton, KS, Tim Easley, Newton, KS and Terry (Nancy) Easley, Ft. Collins, CO, 9 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, 2 sisters, Harriet Bruner, Marion, KS, Frances and George Hurd, Newton, KS, nieces, nephews, great and great great nieces and nephews and many great friends who loved him dearly.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 28th, 2010 from 8:00 A.M.-5:00 P.M. at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.

Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be Tuesday evening at 7:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Father James Mainzer.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, September 29th, 2010 at St.Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:30 A.M.

Burial will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Newton, Kansas.

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.

A Poem written by Frank:

Titled, My Final Poem

I'm writing this poem while it's stil in my head
It's impossible to write when you are dead
I was my Father and Mother's only son
My four older sisters and I kept them on the run
I had a wonderful wife named Ruth
She was a saint to tell the truth
There were also five boys of whom I'm very proud
All together we were a crowd
For a couple of years I was in the service
Flying in gliders made me kinda nervous
I delivered mail for thirty years
Bitting dogs was one of my fears
I've had a wonderful life from the beginning till now
So this will be my final bow
I'll see you all in Heaven some day
We'll talk to the Saints and GOD will say
"Welcome Home, Have a nice day"
Thanks to all who helped make my life great
Don't forget our Heavenly date.

~ Frank J. Easley

On Behalf of Frank J. Easley
His sons and their family wish to extend many sincere thanks and much appreciation to all of the immediate and extended family, neighbors, and friends who sent their heart-felt condolences and devoted their time to help during a time of mourning and much needed direction. Newton Medical Center and Harry Hynes Memorial Hospice for their skilled services in comforting Frank until passing, St. Mary’s Catholic Church and Father Jim Mainzer for a wonderful sermon and mass, Cousin Mark Paquette for his soothing voice and guitar at the service, Broadway Colonial Funeral Home for their professional manner and presentation, the Military unit from Ft. Riley at graveside for the veteran honors, Grandson Jacob for his kind words at graveside, the Altar Society for a delicious meal afterwards, and especially the elders of the family for making the journey to see him off, and anyone and everyone who’s life was touched by this special man’s positive spirit.
Sincerely,
The Easley Brothers