Leon "Ed" Edward Easterling Jr.

Ed had 2 siblings and was the middle child of his family, growing up in Port Arthur, Texas. Ed suffered a brain injury at birth, and had extensive speech therapy and motor skills training as a young child. The doctors predicted he would never walk or talk, however, with the dedication and perseverance of his mother, Ed overcame these obstacles and had a productive and happy life. He graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Port Arthur, Texas in 1967.

On April 6, 1984, Ed married Patricia Ann McCormick (Pat), and the two were married for 36 years. She was the love of his life; whenever he was with her, he was happy. His life was complete once she was a part of it. Just having her by his side was all he ever wanted. He had 2 step-sons and 2 step-grandchildren, which he thought of as his own.

Also known as Uncle Ed and Pop, Ed can be remembered as a Christian man who was always committed to the church. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Melissa, Texas, and was a faithful and loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and son. If everyone was like Ed, there would be no problems in the world. He didn’t drink, swear, or smoke, and always told the truth. He was a dependable and honest employee of Kirby Lumber Company in Silsbee, Texas for 17 years. After the plant closed, he moved to Melissa, Texas in 1987 and worked for Landscape Expressions as a Landscape Supervisor for 23 years before retiring in 2010. He was retired for 10 years and lived on the family farm in Melissa before moving to Silsbee in 2019 so he and Pat could be close to family.

While living in Melissa, Texas, Ed liked to sit on the front porch, walk the farm land, be with nature, and manage the livestock. He was blessed with a beautiful voice and loved to sing with his wife, Pat, in church or wherever they were asked to perform. Ed was also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan. He followed the Texas Rangers baseball as well.

He was a proud member of the local landowners of County Road 339 Coffee Club. He loved to watch The Three Stooges and the Andy Griffith Show. He also loved Gospel music, church hymns, and country music.

Ed could never tell a lie. If you wanted to know what happened while the parents were away, all you had to do was ask Ed. One special memory of Ed was on Thanksgiving Day several years ago. He and Pat (also an avid Dallas Cowboys fan) had the opportunity to attend a Dallas Cowboy’s game in an owner’s suite. They were so excited and enjoyed every minute. It was a dream come true for them, and one they never forgot. Ed is remembered as a fun-loving uncle and cousin, and everyone recalls what a delightful and enjoyable person he was to be around. Some of our fondest memories are times spent with Ed.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Eddie and Mary Easterling; and his sister, Linda Easterling Aycock. Surviving him is his wife, Patricia Ann McCormick Easterling of Silsbee, Texas; his sons, Jerry Wayne Collier (Linda) of Jasper, Texas and Scott E. Collier (Shana) of Lumberton, Texas; his grandsons, Caleb Collier (Christa) and Dakota Collier. He is also survived by his brother, Chris Easterling (Juliana) of McKinney, Texas; brother-in-law, Jim Aycock (Paula) of San Antonio, Texas; aunt, Shirley Easterling of Portland, Texas; nieces, Amy Aycock Hougen (Brian) and Caroline Easterling; and nephews, Jim Aycock (Amy), Matt Aycock, Luke Easterling (Trisha), and Garrett Easterling. He is also survived by additional step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many friends.

Ed saw the world in a simple and honest way, and maybe that’s why everyone enjoyed his company and loved him so.