Stanley Evan Easton's Obituary
Stanley Evan Easton, 87, of Jacksonville, Alabama, was born in Spokane, Washington. He graduated, co-valedictorian, from North Central High School in Spokane where he was the Sports Editor for the School Newspaper. The year he graduated from high school, he led a group of dancers called the Silver Spurs performed in many cities across the country. He taught at a junior high school in Tacoma Washington after earned his bachelor’s degree from Washington State University.
After teaching Junior High for a few years, he ventured out to the south to pursue his Doctor of Education degree in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and to be close to his best friend’s family. Upon earning his Ed.D. from Louisiana State University, he started his career in higher education at the University of Mississippi, where he met his wife. During his tenure at Montana State University, he completed his Deaconate training, and became the first permanent Deacon ordained at St. James Episcopal Church in Bozeman, Montana.
He was called to teach in the College of Education at Jacksonville State University in spring 1990. As a professor, he helped educate and mold new teachers. He also participated and helped with JSU chapter of Phi Delta Kappa and the environmental education programs. Upon retiring from JSU, he focused more on building and fostering a Christian community for college students. His passion for education extended to his work as a Deacon. He was a mentor in the Education for Ministry program, helping to guide people who were interested in entering into ministry.
A compassionate soul, he tried to help others as often as possible. He tried to help anyone who asked for it if he was able, and usually never even mentioned it. He helped organize and lead multiple trips to the gulf coast of Mississippi and Louisiana to help with clean up and rebuilding efforts after hurricane Katrina. He participated in community outreach programs, including, Habitat for Humanity, the Rice & Beans Ministry, and others to help the community members in need. He volunteered as a chaplain at RMC in Anniston and hoped to bring some comfort and peace to people in tumultuous times.
Stanley’s life was driven by his passion for education and his compassion for others. He was a loving, devoted husband and a proud, caring father. He is deeply missed.
Stanley died July 10, 2023, at Northeast Alabama Regional Medical Center in Anniston, Alabama. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Jacksonville with the Right Reverend Dr. Glenda S. Curry presiding, and Reverend Robert Fowler offering the homily. Visitation and a luncheon will follow in the parish hall after the service.
He is survived by his wife, Tienhan Ma and son, Andrew A. Easton. He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Anna (Yihchyang Wang) Ma; a brother-in-law, Stephen (Paochan) Mma; 3 nieces, Joy Wang, Stephanie (Matthew) Powell, Phyllis (Michael) Welsh; a nephew, David (Diane Yang) Wang; 1 grandniece, Kira; and 3 grand nephews, Nathan, Ronan, and Calhan. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Arthur Lee and Nellie Reed Easton; and his father- and mother-in-law, Yunjye Ma and Wenching Wu.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Building Fund.
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