Harold Norman "Hal" Easter, Jr., 77, of Pensacola, FL joined our heavenly Father on Sunday, February 5, 2023.

Hal was born in Chattanooga, TN on March 3, 1945, and attended grade and high school at Notre Dame. He graduated from the University of Chattanooga in 1967 with a bachelor's degree in Chemistry. Hal & Teena married on St. Patrick's Day 1968. He received his master's degree in Biochemistry from Florida State University in 1969. After graduation, Hal enlisted in the US Air Force where he served in the medical laboratory from 1969-1973. After completing his military commitment, he returned to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Tallahassee. The family moved to Pensacola in 1978 when Hal was sent to establish the new Pensacola Crime Lab. He worked for the state for 35 years in the lab in many capacities from analyst to supervisor.

Hal had many hobbies. While he was stationed at Brooks Air Force Base in San Antonio, TX he enjoyed playing tennis everyday on his lunch break. He loved the sport of softball - both, as a player and a coach of the Hooters sponsored women's team. They qualified to play in the National Softball Tournament in Plano, TX where they finished in the top twelve. He was a beekeeper and an avid gardener who loved working in his beautiful yard. He loved playing golf for many years. He retired his clubs shortly after making a hole in one! Hal began brewing beer and became involved with the Escambia Bay Homebrewers Club where he served as President. Hal headed up the annual Emerald Coast Beer Festival for many years. He had an artistic side too. He created beautiful stained glass and recently tried his hand at watercolor. His latest pastime was watching Andrew play tennis and tutoring Isabella with her college Chemistry.

Hal spent many years volunteering, first at Loaves and Fishes where he cooked and served breakfast every Monday morning at five o'clock before going to work. After retirement, he volunteered at St. Vincent DePaul's Alfred Washburn Center. Over the years, Hal sang in several church choirs, was an advisor to the church youth group and served as a Eucharist Minister.

Hal is preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Annie Easter and his mother, Lois Shipley Easter.

He is survived by his bride of 55 years, Teena DeMayo Easter; daughter, Lisa Easter Swan (Jeffrey); two grandchildren, Isabella and Andrew Swan; as well as many loving relatives, special friends and his golf buddies.

Visitation will be held 4:00pm-6:00pm Friday, February 10, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with a Rosary to be prayed at 4:00pm. Funeral Mass will be held 11:00am Saturday, February 11, 2023, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, with the Most Reverend Martin D. Holley, Celebrant and Reverend Tony Davis, Homilest. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, with Reverend Frassati Davis, O.P. A Reception will be held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, in Ava Maria Hall following the interment.

Active Pallbearers will be, Patrick Barrett, Brad Grimmel, Paul Jansen, Paul Kent, Darryl Lipnickey, and Danny Robertson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1212 Moreno St., Pensacola, FL 32503; Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee, 11 N. B St., Pensacola, FL 32502; or to Pensacola Catholic High School, 3043 W. Scott St., Pensacola, FL 32505.

The family would like to give special thanks to Baptist Hospital Cardiology Consultants, especially, Dr. Toinetta Cooley, and RN Alisha; as well as Ashley with Corum, Paige with Palliative Care, Emerald Coast Hospice, and the many friends who were by Hal's side during his final days.