Howard R. Easton

Howard R. Easton, 98, of Sioux City, died Monday, Sept. 25, 2017, at Holy Spirit Nursing Home in Sioux City.
Services will be 4 p.m. Sunday at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Visitation will be 3 p.m. until service time Sunday at the funeral home.
Howard R. Easton, the son of Leonard and Rose (Freestone) DeSpain, was born on August 28, 1919, In Des Moines. He attended and graduated from Des Moines Public Schools. In 1938 he enlisted in the Iowa National Guard and was called to active duty in 1941. He served proudly during World War II in Africa and Europe and was honorably discharged in 1945, having earned the Bronze Star. He then returned to Des Moines, and attended watchmaker school.
On January 17, 1945, Howard was united in marriage with Marjorie J. Christiansen in Des Moines. Howard was employed as a jeweler and watchmaker in Des Moines, followed by jewelry stores in Lake City, and Fort Madison. In 1960 he came to Sioux City, and was employed at Greenberg’s Jewelers until retiring in 1984. Marjorie died on November 3, 2006.
Howard’s artistic abilities as a jeweler and watchmaker transitioned into the enjoyment of wood carving and painting in his retirement. He was a member of Southern Hills Baptist Church and was a great encourager of people.
Howard is survived by his children, Sandra (Tyler) Smith of Omaha, Rick (Holly) Easton of Sioux City, and Mike (Mary) Easton of Wakarusa, Indiana; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; his companion, Ruth Phillips; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by parents; wife, Marjorie; infant daughter, Marcia Ann; and brothers, Jay and John DeSpain.
The family would like to thank the caregivers and staff at Char-Mac Assisted Living and Holy Spirit Nursing Home.


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