Alton Kenneth Easton

Alton Kenneth Easton of Temple, Texas, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2026, surrounded by love from his family and friends. Born to Alton Kenneth Jones and Bobbie (Grandma) Ozment in Hill County, Texas, on August 31, 1947. Alton spent his early life in McLennan and Hill counties, experiencing both joys and hardships. He would later reflect on these early experiences with both fondness and bitterness, ultimately coming to understand them as opportunities for humility that helped shape him into a strong role model.

From an early age, Alton felt a deep sense of ambition and a desire to make the most of his life, so he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps during his senior year of high school. In fact, because the military had already shipped him out for training, he was unable to attend his graduation ceremony. During his time in the military, Alton served in the Vietnam War and was awarded a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart for bravery and valor. While he lamented his experiences in Vietnam, he later came to understand them as a continuing illustration of his spirit and resilience, once a Marine, always a Marine!

Alton diligently studied to obtain both a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. His career included important roles at JPS and Huguley Hospital, where he served as an allied health professional and laboratory manager. Alton passed the Uniform CPA Examination and ran his own CPA business, Benchmark Enterprises Inc., for nearly 20 years. Once retired, he moved with his wife, Di, to Port Alto, Texas on Matagorda Bay. Long coffee breaks and frequent dolphin sightings made these years in South Texas the most peaceful chapter in Alton's life.

As a friend, Alton was known for his patience, listening skills, humor, and ability to make people smile and feel valued. At his core, he was a man whose difficult life made him deeply humble and compassionate toward others. His passions included business, history, philosophy, genealogy, spirituality, science, and above all, his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, and hope for a brighter future. For all who knew him, it was a gift to experience time in his presence.

Alton leaves behind his wife, Dianne Easton, and sisters, Paula Hoover, Linda and her husband, James Lindgren, Mary and her husband, Dennis Tynes. His children include Amanda and her husband, Matthew Young, Lucas Easton and partner Michael Beall, Andrew Dixon and wife, Tonnie Conley, and Robin and her husband, Brian Fisher. His grandchildren include Tyler Paul Rhoden, Alexandria Megan Cary and her wife, Alyssa Goss, Emily Boudreaux, Chloe Cary, and Erik Fisher. His two great-grandchildren are Mia Cary and Nicholas Boudreaux.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the William R. Courtney State Veteran's Home, Temple, Texas.