Douglas Wayne Easley

Douglas Easley, 62 of Oakwood, was a devoted and loving husband, father, and friend to the many who knew him. He went home to be with The Lord on Thursday, June 15, 2023 at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana after a sudden and brief health battle. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 21st from 4-6pm at Kruger Funeral Home, 10 E. Williams Street in Danville. Graveside Services will be on Thursday, June 22nd at Oak Hill Cemetery, off of Shangri La road in Danville/Oakwood at 11am.

   Douglas’ love for The Lord was reflected in all that he did. He was a kind, gentle and generous man who gave of himself to those in need. Big or small, to those he knew, and more often to strangers. He was a carpenter who learned his crafted trade by working alongside his father at a youthful age. His hands were rough, calloused, and scarred yet strong from all the years of his trade. Those same hands were also as soft and gentle as the fleece of a newborn lamb, that he often held close with a strong and gentle hug. He wasn’t a rich man who desired wealth or worldly goods, for he found his wealth in the abundance of family and friends. He had a love of music and enjoyed playing his guitar and singing from Songs of Faith and Worship to those now “classics” of his generation. He loved the music of Neil Young which was always an all-time favorite, but he was also known to play the fun songs Marie Leavau to Bad, Bad Leroy Brown; often adding animation as he played and sang. He really had just one hobby, if you could call it that, and it was building computers, as well as collecting and playing vintage computer games, and he enjoyed the fun of seeking and finding those great games. Douglas enjoyed the great old classic movies, especially the Sci Fi’s, which where his favorite. He was known for his quick wit and sense of humor, which at times he would call upon to help lessen a bad moment for himself or others. His sparkling blue eyes and his hearty laugh will be greatly missed. Douglas had a love for nature, from walking in the woods to camping, or sitting by a crackling campfire singing and playing his guitar with the night crickets joining him on the course. His favorite of all was to take one of his spontaneous road trips Northern Bound, up to his favorite dunes and beaches of Michigan. He had a code for these trips; he would always ask his wife of 33 years if she wanted to “sail away;” a request she always said yes to. Together they sat on those beaches with their toes in the water and a**es in the sand, where they would await the Sunset’s arrival with the sounds of the Seagulls and crashing of the waves. He was never known to turn down a peach pie, chocolate chip cookies or brownies which were his favorites. He never asked for much as his needs and wants were as simple as he.

   That which was most important to Douglas was being surrounded by family and friends, creating memories with those that he loved and cherished. He always looked on the positive side, no matter how dark or grim the situation; always telling those words “we’ve got this.”  Douglas leaves behind his best friend, his confidant, his soulmate Sherri. The forty years they have shared together was not enough time, but they will see one another again. His children: Lindsey Easley (Phillip Kirkwood), Brandon (Desiree) LeClaire, and Ashley Easley will greatly miss him as well, and each encompass the very best qualities of him. His twelve grandchildren: Jacee Clark, Charity Shepherd, Aubrie, Jack and Trinity Shepherd, Aurora Kirkwood, Keagan, Trenton, Brycen, and Faithlynn LeClaire, and Chloe and Theo; Douglas adored each one. His remaining siblings Tony Easley, Carol McFarland-Barker, Debbie Chadwick, and Laura Easley are left behind to continue on the family legacy. He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Rhea, and his siblings Phyllis Matlock, Darrel Easley, Linda Drake, and Cathy Easley.

   Douglas was a lay minister and walked closely with God. He had a favorite song that he would close with many times, and share this with those he was surrounded by. It was a message to all that he loved and cherished deeply- “I dreamed I searched Heaven for you.” This song was a reflection of his hopes, dreams and wishes for all of those loved ones to be prepare and meet him “up there.” May we all make his dreams come true. God be with him until we meet again. Please leave messages and memories for Douglas on our website at www.KrugerCoanPape.com, or on the Kruger Funeral Home Facebook page.

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