Burt Easler

Burton Junior Easler - 87 of Ceresco

It is with great sadness that the family of Burton Junior Easler acknowledges his passing on February 18, 2015 at Bronson At Home Good Samaritan Hospice Residence.

He was born January 19, 1928 in Sandstone Township, MI, 1 of 13 children of Bert and Tessa (Willoughby) Easler. He enlisted in the U.S. Army at the end of World War II and was stationed in the Aleutian Islands and served in the motor pool. He always said that he would never trade that experience.

Burt married Norma Jean Dauber on September 4 1948; they were married for 66 years. She survives along with their children, Ilene (Alfred) Watson and Dennis (Doris) Easler; a brother Jerry (Rosie) Easler; four grandchildren Timothy (Amy) Easler, Sara (Ryan) Ray, Andy (Shontea) Watson, and Gregory Easler. Also surviving are seven great-grandsons; Anthony, Hunter, Trenton, Ryan, Lincoln, Tate, and Xavier and a great friend of many years Harold Cosgrove. He was preceded in death by daughter Deborah Ann Easler in 2001, brothers Don, Harold, Orville, Max, and sisters Gladys, Doris, Dorothy, Evelyn, and three infant sisters; special pets Ben, Charlie, and Toby.

Burt was a hardworking man who began his work life working in his brother's auto mechanics shop at the age of 10; he delivered mobile homes all over the United States and many other jobs. He was also an auto mechanic for the Ford dealerships in Coldwater, Bronson, and Battle Creek. He then went to Harper Creek Schools, as both the head bus mechanic and then as auto mechanics instructor for the last 27 years of his work life. He enjoyed the time he spent in the classroom. He retired in 1986.

After retirement, Burt became an avid collector of antique tractors, especially Allis Chalmers. He loved to attend auctions, swap meets and was a lifelong hunter and fisherman. He had a great love of animals, especially dogs. Burt was a great family man; there wasn't anything he would not do for his family including constructing homes for two of his children. He will always be remembered as a man who stood up for what he believed.

Funeral services to celebrate Burt's life will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015 at the Farley-Estes & Dowdle Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Jim Codde. Interment will follow at Newton Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to Bronson At Home Good Samaritan Hospice Residence or the Calhoun County Humane Society. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.