Stephen Easley

Stephen Easley
January 25, 1944 - November 6, 2023
Stephen Claude Easley, our beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus on November 6, 2023, at the age of 79 at his home in Spokane, Washington. He was born on January 25, 1944 in Denver, Colorado. Steve was a talented and dedicated radio announcer, and he loved every moment in the broadcasting industry. Steve's unwavering love and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ shone brightly, and his love of family and sense of humor were immeasurable gifts.
Steve was adopted by his parents Stephen Bryant Easley and Ruby Alice Brown Easley, and he grew up on a small farm in Grand Junction, Colorado. He was surrounded by three sisters, Virginia, Marjorie and Sandra, and had to make his voice heard at a very early age. His love of radio came naturally and in middle school he built a small studio in his bedroom. He hooked up speakers in the family kitchen and his dad's shop so he could "broadcast" by playing records and reading newspaper articles for his family's enjoyment. Steve's radio passion continued into his high school years where he joined the audio visual club and conducted the school announcements over the loudspeaker system. At age 18, he became the youngest professional disc jockey in the area with the local radio station, and had his own program entitled "Easley Listening".
After high school Steve joined the U.S. Navy and proudly served aboard the heavy cruiser USS Saint Paul. His military tour included operations in Vietnam, and while aboard his ship was used in the filming of the motion picture "In Harm's Way". Following his discharge he met and married his first wife, Shirley Oden. They had three daughters, twin girls Lisa and Laurie, and daughter Nikole.
Steve spent over 40 years broadcasting in many radio markets - Midway Island, Nebraska, Minnesota, South Dakota and Washington. Most of this time was spent with his second wife, Kelly Henrikson Easley, whom he married in May of 1982, and raising their three daughters Sarah, Sydney and Kendall.
Steve spent his life filled with music, the love of Jesus, the love of his family and friends, hazelnut coffee, snicker bars and his precious Shih Tzus and kitties. Some of his favorite hobbies were attending air shows, watching his beloved Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks, enjoying documentaries and movies that made him laugh. The world has been a better place with Steve's humor and dad jokes. We miss him immensely!
He is survived by his wife Kelly, his six daughters and their families (including 13 grandchildren); Lisa Denzler (Chris), Laurie Wetzel (Marvin), Nikole Peña (Tom), Sarah Onustack (Nicholas), Sydney Flemmer (Cameron), Kendall Puryear (Gabriel), and his adopted son-in-love Didio Correia. His in-laws Clint & Pat Perry, Art Henrikson, and sister and brother in-law Kate & Carl Stewart and their son Parker.
A ceremony to honor Steve's life will be held on Friday, December 8, 2023 at 10:00 AM. The services will be conducted by Heritage Funeral Home located in Spokane, Washington.