HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — Commander H.E. (Hal) Easter, died peacefully in his home on February 20, 2013. He was born on December 24, 1934, in Mt. Airy, North Carolina.

Commander Easter was an officer in the United States Naval Reserve for 22 years and a veteran of the Vietnam War. A naval aviator, he flew the Navy's first mission to Antarctica and traveled around the world before retiring from active duty in 1978 and moving his family to Hot Springs. For the next 20 years he proudly led the NJROTC program at Hot Springs High School and served as a blue and gold officer for the United States Naval Academy. Hal was an active member of the Elks Lodge.

As proud as he was of his military service Hal had no greater joy in his life than the love of his life, his wife, Ann. They were married on August 31, 1957, and raised five daughters, Robyn, Sheri, Terri, Kelly and Deana. After almost 56 years of marriage he remained devoted to making his Annie happy. He was a terrific father to his girls, loving and supportive in good times and bad. He found great joy in his role as a grandfather to his grandchildren, Chris, Jessica, Ellen, Greyson and Sommer.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Nina and Rufus Easter; his brother, Fred Easter; his daughter, Sheri Easter and his grandson, Sean O'Neal.

He is survived by his wife, Ann, his daughter and son-in-law Robyn and Pat O'Neal and granddaughter Ellen of Yorktown, Va., his grandson, Chris O'Neal and his wife Jessica of Orlando, Fla., his daughter, Terri Easter and grandson Greyson Teague of Hot Springs, daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Steve Barnes of Dallas, Texas, and daughter and son-in-law, Deana and Pat Hicks and granddaughter Sommer of McKinney, Texas.

There will be a viewing on Saturday, February 23, 2013 at Hot Springs Funeral Home in Hot Springs, Ark. from 5-7 p.m.  A Memorial Service will be held at Hot Springs Funeral Home on Sunday, February 24, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. Graveside services with full military honors to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Garland County.

The moment that you died our hearts split in two. One side filled with memories the other died with you. When the world is fast asleep we take a walk down memory lane. Remembering you is easy, we do it every day, but missing you is a heartache that never goes away. We hold you tightly in our hearts and there you will remain. Life has gone on without you - but it will never be the same.'

Arrangements are by Hot Springs Funeral Home.

Online condolences at www.hotspringsfh.com