Rev. Bruce James Easterling

Born Sept. 2, 1926, in Minneapolis, Kans., a son of the late Charles J. and Myrtle Violet Kibbler Easterling.

He was a graduate of Central College McPhearson, Kans., in 1946 and Greenville College in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts.

Rev. Easterling was employed as a pastor in the Free Methodist Church, serving churches in the Kansas Conference and Genesee Conference in New York State and was a member of the Genesee Conference.

He attended the Gerry Free Methodist Church, was a longtime volunteer at WCA Hospital since 1994 and was awarded Volunteer of the Year Award in 2008. He also enjoyed woodcrafts.

Husband of 61 years to the late Betty I. Rennells Easterling, whom he married Sept. 2, 1948, and who died Feb. 8, 2010; father of Robert (Anne) Easterling of Fredericksburg, Va.,, Mary A. Easterling of Northfield, Minn., and the late Cheryl A. Brent Berg (2005); grandfather of eight; great-grandfather of 20; brother of the late Loine Noble, Mary June Collett and Charles C. Easterling. Also survived by nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday in Seeley Auditorium, Schwab Manor of Heritage Village Campus, Gerry, Burial will be in Gerry Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Heritage Ministries, P.O. Box 350, Gerry, NY 14740.

Arrangements are by Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville