Donald Easterly

Donald Atkinson Easterly of Middletown, Ohio, passed away October 20, 2014. He was born April 25, 1929 in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, to William Russell and Dora Atkinson Easterly. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Marilyn Easterly, and seven children: Russell Atkinson Easterly in Seattle, WA; Dawn Spelke and Mark Linda Easterly in Denver, CO; and Eve Barry St. Mane in Minneapolis, MN; Patricia Kris Schulz in Springboro, OH; Lisa Sean Berry in Fort Thomas, KY; and Bill Ann O'Hanlon. He is also survived by 17 grandchildren: Eric, Sara and Kyle Easterly; Caroll, Christopher, and Peter Spelke; Anastacia Hill; Alexa Livingston; Katie, Thomas and Travis Gilder; Joe and Dustin Honious; Meghan Shepherd; and William, Michael, and Kevon O'Hanlon; as well as four great-grandchildren: Luke Honious, Hannah Hardyman, and Hunter and Payton Livingston. His brother, Nathan William Marnie Easterly, lives in Bowling Green, OH. Donald was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife, Marjorie Lord Easterly.

Raised by his mom Dora his father died of TB shortly after Donald's birth in White Sulphur Springs, he earned his Bachelor's from West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV. His first professional job was as a reporter for a local daily newspaper. In 1950, with the Korean War under way, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, and was accepted to Officer's Candidate School, eventually graduating as a 2nd Lieutenant. At the end of the war, Donald returned home and to the world of newspapering.

In 1957, Donald was hired as director of communications for the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation in Baton Rouge, La. While there, he was drawn in to the local political scene, writing candidates' speeches and running election campaigns. Then, in 1964, he accepted a public relations position with Armco Steel Corporation and moved his family to Middletown, OH. In addition to his work as the Armco spokesperson, Donald continued to stay involved with local politics, running several successful campaigns, including the election of the late James Warren "Choppy" Saunders to the Middletown City Commission in 1970 and numerous school bond levy elections. After Armco closed its Middletown headquarters, he elected to stay and start his own business: Easterly Communications. After a brief stint in the late 1980s in Washington, D.C. providing public relations for the Secretary of Commerce with his former Armco boss, C. William Verity, Jr., he returned to Middletown and continued his PR work.

During his life, Donald donated his time to a numerous political campaigns; provided publicity for local schools, charities, and non-profits; and served on various boards, including the school board and MANY Middletown Area Neediest Youth. He was a member of Rotary Club and penned their newsletter. He also loved playing bridge, sailing, fishing, and spending time with family and friends.

Visitation and services will be held on Fri., Oct. 24 at Breitenbach-McCoy-Leffler Funeral Home, 517 S. Sutphin St., Middletown. Visitation will be from 5-7:00 pm and services will start at 7:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.