Howard Easter

Howard Easter of Hampton, 91, peacefully went home to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of Thursday, November 15, 2012. Howard was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, teacher, neighbor and friend to all. Born in Southampton County in 1921 and reared in Emporia, Virginia, Howard moved to Newport News where he worked at NN Shipbuilding Corp. and FDR’s Civilian Conservation Camp, before retiring from the C&O (CSX) Railroad after 31 years of faithful service. During WWII, he served honorably in the US Navy, receiving an Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Medal. Howard was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Alberta Easter; his wife of 67 years, Elida M. Easter; six sisters, Ivora Robinson, Gertrude Thomas, Bernice Hill, Sylvia Perkins, Goldie Smith and Louise Easter; and his beloved brother and friend, Russell Easter. Howard was adored and leaves to treasure his memory seven children: Julia Hodge, Rose, and Barbara of Hampton; Debra of Clinton, Maryland, Marquita of Hampton, Steven (Ruth) of Charles City, and Quintin of Hampton; 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, great- great-grandchild; cherished nieces and nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews, and his loyal Chihuahua, Dama-Jo. The family will receive friends from 12 to 1 pm Saturday, November 24, 2012 at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, with a celebration of Howard's life at 1 pm. Interment will follow at Hampton-Veterans Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666. Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.