Michael Wayne Easley

Michael (Mike) W. Easley, 78 of Tallahassee, Florida, passed away of complications from rheumatoid arthritis and pulmonary fibrosis on July 13, 2026. He was a native of Defiance, Ohio, born on August 25, 1947, to Warren Harding Easley and Jeanne Ruth Sargeant. he graduated from the Ohio State University with a Doctorate in Dental Science and from the University of Michigan with a Master's in Public Health.

His career spanned several areas of giving back to the community to include: serving in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps during the Vietnam era, then transitioned into the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service in the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He served as Chief of the Division of Dental Health for the Ohio department of Health, Chief of the Division of Dental Health for the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene, Associate Professor at the University of Detroit's College of Dentistry, Coordinator of Worldwide Clinical Research of Oral Care Pharmaceutical Products and Associate Director of Health Care Professional Relations at Procter & Gamble Company (Ohio), Commissioner of Health & Environment for the Middletown Department of Health & Environment (Ohio), and Governor Brereton Jones' appointee as Director of Environmental Health & Community Safety for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. He was an Associate Professor of Oral Biology at the School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at the University of New York at Buffalo. He taught at the University of Kentucky. His career was devoted to assisting and educating the public.

Mike was predeceased in death by his parents, Warren and Jeanne Easley and his brother Robert Easley. He is survived by his wife of 36 years Lana Carol Easley, his sister, Carol Stiles (Jim), Toledo, Ohio, his brother, Tom Easley, Defiance, Ohio; his son Alec Easley, Bryan Ohio; his granddaughters, Jordan and Jade Easley, Bryan, Ohio and grandson, Seeley Easley, Bryan, Ohio. As well two great grandchildren, Kinley Ann Ramos and Hudson Michael Ramos, Bryan, Ohio. He will be remembered by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

The family appreciated the many doctors, nurses and caretakers for their expertise and support during Mike's illness. We also value all the love and support from our good friends, good neighbors and family.

Mike will be buried in the Tallahassee National Cemetery. Burial arrangements are made by Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida 32308.

Please make donations to the charity of your choice in his honor.