Thad Everette Easterwood, coach and long time educator, of Starkville and Kosciusko passed away on April 3, 2013.

Mr. Easterwood was born on February 17, 1923 to Thaddeaus L. and Maudean Vickers Easterwood. He was a graduate of Cumberland High School, Wood Junior College, Delta State University, and Mississippi State University. He served in the United States Navy and was a World War II Veteran. Mr. Easterwood spent most of his life working in the field of Education. He taught and coached at Louise, Pelahatchie, and Mize before moving home in 1959 to run for Superintendent of Education in Oktibbeha County serving in this position from 1960-1968 and 1980-1984. He was a faculty member at Mississippi Sate University in the Division of Continuing Education from 1969-1979. A member of Self Creek Baptist Church, he served for many years as deacon and Sunday School Teacher. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed watching his daughter and grand children participate in sports. A long time member of the MSU Bulldog Club, he held season tickets in football, basketball and baseball for many years.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Faye Hamilton Easterwood and his parents as well as three brothers, John, Claude and Jim and a sister, Gerry Murphy. He is survived by his wife Roma Jean Holmes Easterwood of Kosciusko, MS; his daughter, Dorothy Faye (Dot) Easterwood Murphy and Gene of Raymond, MS; grandson, Kelly Everette Murphy and Katie; two granddaughters, Jennifer Rae Gibbs and Brent, and Ashley Faye Horne and Taylor all of Raymond, MS; two step sons, Ken Holmes and G.G. of Kosciusko, MS; and Bob Holmes and Diane of Corinth, MS; step grandchildren, Molly Holmes of New Orleans, LA; Matthew Holmes of Jackson, Mississippi and Michael Holmes of Corinth, MS; five great grandchildren, Thomas Joseph Murphy, Everette Hamilton Murphy and Lainey Kathyryn Murphy and Hallie Faye Horne and Devin Elizabeth Gibbs all of Raymond, MS.

Services will be at Center Grove Baptist Church on Friday, April 5, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with the visitation beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Ms Fellowship of Christian Athletes, P.O. Box 449, Ridgeland, MS 39158; Center Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 217 Center Grove Rd., Starkville, MS 39759; Palmer Home for Children, P.O. Box 746, Columbus, MS 39703; or charity of choice.