Carson "Rod" Roderick Easterling

In 1954, Rod graduated from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, MD, and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After completing basic training, the USMC offered him reserve duty. Desiring to serve his country full-time, Rod then enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1955. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam within the Defense Intelligence Agency, continuing with the DIA until his retirement in 1975 as a Master Sergeant (E-7), at which time he was awarded the Joint Service Commendation Medal for his Meritorious Service. He then worked for 20 years as Vice President of ACME Iron Works, Inc. Upon moving to the Orlando area in 2000, he worked for Walt Disney World Security until his retirement from the company in 2011.

Rod also served his community in many ways. He was a volunteer fire fighter and volunteer police officer at Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and an auxiliary police officer for Anne Arundel County. He led Girl Scout and Explorer troops and participated with the Disney VoluntEARS who built a community playground in Zellwood Park, FL. He was a contributing member of numerous organizations, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, the American Legion, the World War II Museum, and the Fleet Reserve Club of Annapolis.

Rod enjoyed stamp and coin collecting, Disney memorabilia, spending many long hours working in his yard, his many visits with family and friends, and travel and watching Gunsmoke with Karen.

Rod is survived by his wife Karen Lynne Easterling, his children Cynthia Ruth Compher and spouse Kevin Compher, Cathleen Rose Walters and spouse Karl Walters, Carson Richard Easterling and spouse Gail Easterling, Charles Randall Easterling and partner Tina Trebes, step-children Christopher David Owens and spouse Blairlee Owens, Kathryn Ann Owens, and John David Owens and spouse Alejandra Owens. In addition he is survived by grandchildren Kenneth and Zachary, Christopher, Michael, and Sara, Carson and Colt, Brandon and Ally, Kathryn, Grace, and Jacob, Paul and Sean, and great grand-children Joseph, Jackson, Camden, Logan, and Jacob.

A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home in Gotha, FL with a reception to follow on a date to be determined. En lieu of flowers, please make charitable contributions to Disabled American Veterans (www.dav.org).