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<p>One would have to search far and wide to find a truer friend than Tim Easton in this world. <em>Thomas Melroy “Tim” Easton Jr.</em> was born on July 15, 1955 in Miami, FL and was the eldest son of Dr. and Mrs. Thomas M. Easton. </p>
<p>Tim spent his childhood years living with his parents and younger brother Scott in Fort Lauderdale, FL. It was here that Tim developed an early interest in the military and he and his brother could often be seen hiding throughout the neighborhood while practicing the “art of war” in full uniform with the local youth. Tim’s father had served as an infantry platoon leader during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II. His uncle, Colonel John R. Bailey ’38 (Retired) inspired Tim to develop an interest in West Point at an early age. </p>
<p>In 1967, the Easton family moved from Florida to Pennsylvania and ultimately settled in Grove City, PA where Tim would become an outstanding student athlete while attending Grove City Senior High School (GCHS). During his time at GCHS, Tim was considered one of the brightest students in his class and took all the advanced placement courses offered. </p>
<p>A natural athlete, Tim was a three-year starter on the varsity basketball team and became an all-conference performer while leading GCHS to the post-season playoffs during his junior year. He was a pure shooter who was destined to break every scoring record in GCHS basketball history. Unfortunately, injuries (a broken finger and torn cartilage in his knee) and illness (mononucleosis) did not allow him to complete a full season during his high school career. His happiest moment came when his brother Scott became a starter and played alongside him during his senior year. </p>
<p>As Tim progressed through high school, his interest in the military remained steadfast. Tim would become the first graduate from GCHS to attend West Point. </p>
<p>After enlisting in the Army and completing Basic Combat Training, Tim attended the United States Military Academy Prep School (USMAPS) where he excelled academically and was a starter on the USMAPS Basketball Team, which was coached by future Basketball Hall of Famer Mike Krzyzewski (aka Coach K). While at USMAPS, Tim developed numerous friendships which would prove to be among the most valuable and endearing to him during his short life. </p>
<p>In July 1974, Tim reported to West Point with several of his USMAPS friends and other members of the Class of 1978. After Beast Barracks, Tim was assigned to Company F-1 (“Flame-1”), which had the reputation of being the company hardest on plebes in the entire Corps of Cadets. During Reorganization Week of 1974, several of Tim’s classmates from F-1 were encouraged by the F-1 Tactical Officer to go visit him in the USMA Hospital because he had reinjured one of his knees. That is when they first heard the distinctive Easton laugh. Coming from Tim’s quiet, modest demeanor, his explosive, uninhibited laugh caught one off guard and lit up whatever building he occupied. His laugh would later save many an F-1 plebe from resignation. Tim’s courage to laugh in the face of plebe hardship was a strong indicator of his indomitable spirit. </p>
<p>At West Point, Tim continued to build close friendships and graduated near the top of his class. Tim chose to take most of his elective courses in mathematics, which was one of the toughest curriculums offered at the Academy. He was often known to work through the most difficult math problems long after everyone else had given up. Tim was also very generous with his time and knowledge when fellow classmates would seek him out for assistance with their math homework. </p>
<p>During his yearling year, Tim had to cease playing basketball competitively due to previous injuries to both knees. Coach K, who had been named Army’s Head Basketball Coach in 1975, saw Tim’s value and asked him to become a manager for the basketball team. Tim accepted, and his positive nature and selfless hard work behind the scenes was instrumental in helping Coach K and the team bring Army basketball back to national prominence during the late 1970s. </p>
<p>Upon graduating from West Point and being commissioned an Ordnance officer, Tim attended the Ordnance Officer Basic Course at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. In October 1978, the Easton family met to wish Tim well just a few weeks before he was to depart for his first assignment in Germany, not knowing that it would be the last time that they would see him. Tragically, just after reporting to the 3rd Infantry Division in Germany, Tim was a passenger in an automobile accident which took his life on December 10, 1978.</p>
<p>Tim’s life of quiet competence, selfless service, and uncompromising integrity left a legacy for us all. At least seven other Grove City High School alumni have graduated from West Point and served their nation, beginning with his younger brother, Scott (1979). His warmth and generosity and courage in the face of adversity continues to inspire us even as we serve today. We are better servant leaders in service to our country, our communities and our families in large part because of the priceless gifts and lessons Tim lovingly imparted to us. May he Rest in Peace.</p>
<p><em>—His family and classmates</em></p>
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