Col. John William Easterly, U.S.A.R. (Ret.), 62, of Wooster, OH, tragically died on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013 in Barron, Wisconsin.

A descendant of the Harold Anderson family of Ontonagon, MI, John had recently moved to the family home there. The son of Dr. Clay E. Easterly and Mary Elvira Anderson of Biloxi, MS, John grew up on the Mississippi Coast. A graduate of Mississippi State University, he served his country through the Army Reserves for 30 years. A veteran of "Desert Storm" in 1991, John was awarded numerous decorations, the most notable being the Legion of Merit and the Silver Star for gallantry in action.

John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, plowing, and planting. He continued to pursue his dreams of farming until his last breath.

Preceded in death by first wife, Dorothy Lamey Easterly, he is survived by beloved wife Mary Jeannine Easterly, his two loving daughters Jamie Easterly Boyer and husband Jason Boyer and Jennifer Rae Easterly Delancey and husband Henry Delancey; grandchildren Izabelle Marie and Emma Dawn Boyer; stepdaughter Angela Allen (Shannon Allen); step-grandchildren Devin Michelle Joseph, Magen Marie Joseph, Charles Caiser Joseph, Fredrick Colin Joseph, Misty May Gavin, Jessica Jones Gavin, Ashley Gavin; step-great granddaughters Anna Lynn Jenkins and Emry Gavin Mincey; six surviving siblings, and faithful Boykin Spaniel Lacey Belle.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Father Michael Jacobus on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church in Ontonagon, with luncheon to follow. Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. at the Church.