Aurora Advent Christian member remembered for dedication to denomination, university, community

Homer Easley was remembered Jan. 28 for his dedication to the Advent Christian denomination, Aurora University and the Aurora community.

The Aurora resident was a member of the Aurora Advent Christian Church. He died on Jan. 23 at age 85. He was remembered by friends and family at a celebration of life service at Aurora Advent Christian Church.

After a visitation period, memorial service speakers were Aurora University President Dr. Rebecca Sherrick, who delivered the eulogy; Dr. Bill Norwood, superintendent, Central Advent Christian Mission Society; Dr. Mark Woolfington, Aurora University chaplain and pastor, Advent Christian Church of the Highlands, LaGrange, Ill.; and Rev. Matt Mull, senior pastor, Aurora Advent Christian Church. Kaylee Frank, a granddaughter, read scripture from Lamentations 33:22-26, 31-33.

Five other grandchildren (Collin Frank, Sammie Gleason, and Nick, Drew and Will Easley) also offered memories.

Easley was born Jan. 14, 1937, in Morrisonville, Ill. Survivors include his wife of over 63 years, Pauline (Barton) Easley; children David and Sherryl (Jim) Frank; seven grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

He entered Aurora College in 1955 as a student. Easley met Pauline, a fellow student, and they were married in 1959 after both graduated. He continued his education, earning a master's degree in computer science from Northwestern University.

Returning to Aurora College, he taught physics and mathematics for 30-plus years. The college's first professor to teach computer science, he became computer science department chair and dean of information science. In the 1990s, Easley became Aurora University director of development. After retiring, he served as director of development for Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora for five years and part-time for a decade in information technology and database administrator.

Easley was recognized by the university with its Distinguished Alumni Award in 1992. In 2014, the university established the Homer Easley Seminar Room in the John C. Dunham Partnership School.

Easley was active in the Aurora Advent Christian Church for more than 60 years. He chaired a committee to build a new building on Edgelawn Drive in Aurora and was also an elder, computer technician and Sunday school teacher. Additionally, he served as president of the Advent Christian Central Region.

Memorial donations in Easley's memory may be made to Aurora University's Office of Development.