Harold Dean Easterla of Greenwood, Missouri, met Jesus on January 10, 2025, at the age of 91. His final days were spent peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Visitation will be held at Fellowship Church of Greenwood on Saturday, January 25th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., with a Celebration of Life service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Fellowship Greenwood Building Fund in honor of Harold’s legacy.
Harold was born on January 30, 1933, in Archie, Missouri to Clarence and Edith Easterla. He was a proud graduate of Archie High School, where he served as the Captain of the basketball team. After high school, Harold worked as a mechanic in his fathers garage for a couple years before being drafted into the U.S. Army. Originally trained in artillery at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, Harold proudly served his country for 2 years as an Ammunition Supply Specialist at Fort Benning, GA. Upon separation from the Army, Harold’s brother Charles helped him to get a job in Kansas City at the General Motors – Leeds Assembly Plant where he worked for the next 30 years. Upon retirement from GM, Harold drove a school bus for the Lee’s Summit R-7 school district for 12 years before finally retiring for good in the mid 90’s. A man of many talents, Harold was not only passionate about basketball, but was also an Eagle Scout, an avid woodworker, wood carver, and gardener. He devoted much of his time to service, having served 18 years on the Greenwood Water Board and over 30 years as a deacon at First Baptist Church of Greenwood, among many other roles in the church. His life was rooted in faith, and he cherished every opportunity to serve the Lord.
Harold is survived by his devoted wife of nearly 60 years, Carmelita Paris Easterla; his son, Dennis (Amy) Easterla; his daughter, Julie (Todd) Clites; his sister, Betty Easterla; and his beloved granddaughters, Madison and Holland Easterla, and Bleier Clites.
Harold’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love for his family and community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Obituary submitted by the family.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home Oak Grove, MO 816-690-4441