Berton Easley

Berton Allen Easley, son of Harry and Ruth Ann Easley, was born, Saturday, November 15, 1930 in Mosby, Missouri. He departed this life, Sunday, October 28, 2007 in his home in Climax Springs, Missouri at the age of seventy-six years, eleven months and thirteen days. On September 26, 1976 in Richmond, Missouri, he was united in marriage to Lola Jean Aubrey Payne, and together they have shared the past thirty-one years. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Bob and Rueben V. Easley and a sister Betty Knox. Survivors include his wife, Lola Jean Easley of the home; six children, Gary Allen Norris and wife Karen of Excelsior Springs, Missouri, Linda Gail Smith and husband John of Climax Springs, Missouri, Donald L. Payne and wife Nita of Lawson, Missouri, Sheila R. Seek and husband Steve of Richmond, Missouri, Ruth J. Ballew and husband David of Richmond, Missouri and Robert K. Payne of Richmond, Missouri; 15 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers William "Bill" Easley and Wayne Easley; nieces, Rita Hodges, Linda Robb and husband Darrell, Connie Hayes and husband DeWayne, and Jane Downer; numerous other nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, brother-in-laws, sister-in-laws and relatives and friends. Berton was raised and went to school in Mosby, Missouri and Missouri City, Missouri. He served his country proudly Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Marines as a tank mechanic and was honorably discharged. After the service, he worked for Haggard Heavy Hauling of Kansas City, Missouri until his retirement. In his spare time, he was a shade tree mechanic extraordinaire. He enjoyed restoring vehicles, gardening, fishing, and bowling. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Berton received the "Very Special Person" award from his children, grandchildren and in-laws. Berton was a loving husband, father, Pa Paw, great-Pa Paw, brother, uncle and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and will miss him greatly. Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 30, 2007 in Ozark Bethel Chapel Assembly of God with Reverend Alonzo Thomas officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 till time of the service. A second service will be held 1:00 p.m.,Thursday, November 1, 2007 at Polley Funeral Home, Richmond, Missouri with burial to follow at Missouri City Cemetery at Missouri City, Missouri. Memorial donations may be made to the Ozark Bethel Chapel Assembly of God Church or the American Lung Association or the American Heart Association and may be left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Camdenton.