Thomas W. Easton Jr.

Thomas W. Easton, Jr.—known to many as “Tom,” affectionately known to others as “Poppy,” and most recently known to his loving great-grandchildren as “Great Poppy”—beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully and in his sleep at the age of 95 on September 14, 2024.

Born on October 15, 1928 in Cleveland, Ohio, to Thomas W. and Helen Easton, Tom led a long and fulfilling life—in his words, “a wonderful ride”—accentuated by his deep love of family, his kindness to others, and his generosity toward friends and neighbors.

When he was eight, Tom and his family moved to their family farm in Bainbridge, Ohio, where he learned to love hard work, including the breeding and training of Palomino Quarter Horses. Tom was forever a farmer at heart and in person—but with diverse talents that eased his success throughout his life’s many exciting endeavors.

After graduating from The Ohio State University, Tom joined the Ohio National Guard’s 107th Armored Cavalry Regiment, where he quickly advanced to First Lieutenant while serving in active duty during the Korean War era.

During that period, Tom met and married the love of his life—Shirley Rufener—in 1951. Together, they built a home and family filled with love and wonderful memories. Their marriage of 67 years—ended only by Shirley’s unfortunate passing—was an inspiring example of devotion and partnership.

Tom—a Mason and member of Golden Gate Lodge No. 245, F. & A. M., Chagrin Falls, Ohio—started his post-National Guard career as a manager of a registered Polled Hereford Cattle farm. He later owned and worked for Thos. W. Easton’s Sons, Inc.—a heavy machinery moving and rigging company that had been established by his great grandfather in 1870 in Cleveland. Tom went on to own three other businesses—including Ustler Brothers Foliage Nursery in Apopka, Florida.

Tom had a passion for wood-working—a hobby he pursued into his last year of life in the shop located in the garage below his residence at the Orlando Lutheran Towers. Through his wood-working, Tom regularly made gifts for others—for friends, family, and donation to children—including over 1,000 hand-held clinging crosses that he would regularly gift to hospice and those fortunate enough to have crossed his path.

Tom’s love and kindness will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of those he touched. Tom is survived by his younger brother Jimmy (Nancy) Easton; his children, Sharon (Roger) Stahler and Susan (Karl) Willard; his grandchildren, Jaclyn (Jason) O’Brian, Brad (Noelle) Willard, Roger (Dana) Stahler, Jr., and Darcie (Oscar) Orihuela; and his great-grandchildren, Morgan O’Brian, Laurel O’Brian, Brielle Stahler, Addison Willard, Rylynn Stahler, Macie Willard, and Oscar Sebastian Orihuela. Tom was preceded in death by his wife Shirley.

A memorial service celebrating Tom’s life will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a reception at 12:00 p.m. at the Baldwin Fairchild Funeral Home located at 90 Weathersfield Ave, Altamonte Springs, Florida 32714. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Tom—an immensely kind and generous man—will forever be remembered for his warm disposition and his caring heart. He was the bedrock of his family and he leaves a legacy of personal warmth and kindness that three succeeding generations will hope to emulate. His presence will be deeply missed, but his memory and spirit will carry forward in the hearts of the many people who knew him and loved him.