George "Papa" Easterwood

George Lee Easterwood, age 89 of Temple, passed away Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at his home. Funeral Services will be held at 11 am Monday, August 31, 2020 at Bethel Assembly of God in Temple with Bill Anderson officiating.

George was born on November 23, 1930 to Robert Benjamin and Venia Jo Bailey Easterwood in Marlin, Texas. George proudly and honorably served his country in the Army Air Corps from 1946 through 1949. After serving his time in the Air Corps, George enlisted in the U.S. Army from 1949 through 1967 when he retired from active service. He married Effie Louise Jernigan in 1952. Not long after retirement, he continue to serve at the Temple VA Hospital as a volunteer for the next 30 years. While his given name was George, his favorite titles were Daddy and Papa. Papa‘s favorite past time was woodwork, building bird houses and picture frames. Grandma never seemed to let him let go of any. Papa was very adventurous. He loved to travel and sightsee. He was known as the fun Papa, always loading up the grandkids and their friends to go to the coast or the Frio River and numerous state parks all over Texas. Everyone loved it when Papa cooked breakfast. No one could make pancakes with an egg on top quite like him. He loved his family and supported his grandkids and great grandkids in everything they did. Papa would drive hours just to see them compete or celebrate any occasion. He loved his extended family at Golden Corral, which he visited on a daily basis. George was a member of Bethel Assembly of God Church in Temple. He was also a life-long member of the V.F.W. Post 4008 in Belton.

George is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Effie Louise Easterwood; daughter, Katherine Laverne Womack; brother, Robert Easterwood; sister, Dorothy Westerberry; and his beloved dog and companion, Spanky.

Those left to honor and cherish his memory are his son, Willie Michael Easterwood of Sperry, Oklahoma; daughter, Brenda Lea Perry of Temple; grandchildren, Timothy Choat Jr., Kimberly Choat Snyder, Azariah Perry, David and wife, Kristin Easterwood, Kimberly Phelps and Kelly Easterwood; and 6 great-grandchildren.

A time of visitation will be held at 10 am, prior to the service on Monday, August 31, 2020 at Bethel Assembly of God Church in Temple.

The family wishes to extend special blessings to the nurses at the Temple VA Hospital, the 6th floor “6K” and a special thanks to Nurse C.C.