Tony was born near Peoria, Illinois in a small farming community. He loved farming and working outside with the soil and planting a garden and flowers. He kept many bird feeders full and loved watching them, especially the hummingbirds. All animals loved him, even a rooster that wandered up when he was tired and VERY hungry. Tony fed him and got him healthy. The rooster would follow him around the yard. He was a kind and compassionate man and enjoyed traveling and singing in the church choir.
He passed away at NHC Columbia and would have been 90 at the end of May.
Tony graduated from Peoria High School, attended two years of college, and took engineering courses while serving in the Army. He was a veteran of over seven years and worked on guided missiles in Okinawa. After his service to our country, Tony went into the fire and communication field installing closed circuit TV’s, PA systems, fire alarms, etc. in schools, nursing homes and hospitals.
Tony’s father, George Albert and mother, Irma Ray, brother Ray and sister Alberta, are all deceased.
Tony is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Barbara Jeanne Ryan Easley Dreher; two children, Matthew and Douglas and five stepchildren, Levada Beck, Robert (Debbie) Easley and Elizabeth Fanning; grandchildren Layla (Jerry) Hawkins, Celeste and Bryan Fanning, Lori (Brandon) Davis, Alissa McHenry, Kamron Easley and Brandi Easley (Deceased). He had 17 great-grandchildren and will be missed by all that knew him.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 311 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN where Tony was a member for many years. Fr. Chris Bowhay will officiate, assisted by Deacon Bonnie Loyd-Downs. The visitation will be at 10:30 AM with the memorial service at 12:00 PM. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. https://www.tnfunerals.com
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 311 West 7th St., Columbia, TN 38401.
For more obituaries visit https://maurycountysource.com/obituaries/
Subscribe to our FREE Newsletter!
