SHERIDAN — Albert Easter Jr.
was born on July 28, 1937, in Round Pond, Ark., to the late Albert Easter Sr. & Ida Mae Wallace Easter. He was cared for from birth by his doting Grandmother, Dollie Louise Lorton, who also shared the family home. Albert was one of six children brought up on sharecropping lands of the delta. By the age of 12, he was making his own living as a farm hand and would go on to apprentice in an upholstery shop when he was a senior in high school. After marrying his high school sweetheart and wife of almost 66 years, Lillian Faye Walker, Albert or “Junior”, as his family called him, mastered the art and craft of upholstery and began his own business in Forrest City, Ark. With five children in tow, the Easter’s relocated his business to Sheridan, Ark., in 1971, where Albert would establish himself as an expert craftsman and world-class upholster. His work in automobiles, aircraft, cabinetry, and furniture were revered from coast to coast. He served his community as a youth softball coach and baseball umpire for many years in Redfield, Ark. He was an avid hunter and conservationist and could be found on any given day holding court with his many friends. He loved to entertain and tell stories of his life experience. Albert was a devoted family man with five children, 18 grandchildren, and 31 great-grandchildren. He was affectionately known as “Poppa” by the extended family and was loved, adored, and respected by all who knew him.
Albert is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Belinda Gay Morrison; grandson, Benjamin Scott Crutchfield; brothers, Hurschel Easter, Nathan Easter, Buford Eugene Easter; and sister, Annie Mae Burton.
Albert is survived by his wife, Lillian; four children: Felecia Walls Pleis (Ron) of Maumelle, Thomas Albert Easter (late Debbie) of Sheridan, Valerie Jo Crutchfield Darguzas (Alex) of Prattsville, and Laura Croft (late Tracy) of Sheridan. He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews, and many friends. One of those is his best friend of 50 years, T.D. Vanlandingham.
The visitation will be held on Monday, August 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Memorial Gardens Funeral Home in Sheridan. At Albert’s request, he will be laid to rest at sunrise, 6:45 a.m., his favorite part of the day, on Tuesday August 17, at Philadelphia Cemetery in Prattsville, Ark.