Homer Easley, 85, of Aurora passed away peacefully on January 23, 2022. He was born on January 14, 1937 in Morrisonville, IL.

He is survived by his wife of over 63 years, Pauline (Barton) Easley, their 2 children David Easley and Sherryl (Jim) Frank, loved by 7 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Homer came to Aurora in 1955 as a student at Aurora College. He met his bride, Pauline as a student and they were married in 1959.

Homer began a thirty-plus year career at the college, teaching physics and mathematics. In the early 1970’s, he became interested in computers and did additional graduate work in computer science at Northwestern. He was the first professor at Aurora College to teach Computer Science and he established the Computer Science Club on campus. Homer became Chairman of the Computer Science department and later, the Dean of Information Science. He was the person responsible for computerizing all administrative functions on campus. In the mid-1990’s, searching for new challenges, Homer became Director of Development for the university.

After more than 30 years at AU, Homer accepted the full-time position of Director of Development at Wayside Cross Ministries in Aurora. He worked there full-time for 5 years before retiring from that position. He stayed at Wayside Cross for another decade, working part time as the primary information technology staff person and database administrator.

Homer was recognized by his alma mater in 1992 with the Distinguished Alumni Award. In 2014, as part of the John C. Dunham Partnership School, the Homer Easley Seminar Room was established. The space is used for a variety of purposes, including showcasing student-faculty research projects, lectures and symposiums. Naming the largest and most versatile space on the university campus for Homer Easley honored his legacy and the zeal for learning that he shared with his students and in every endeavor he took in life.

A man of deep faith, he was active in the Aurora Advent Christian Church for more than 60 years, serving in various capacities including chairman of the committee to build the new building on Edgelawn Avenue in Aurora, as an elder, computer technician and a Sunday school teacher on occasion. He also served as president of the Central Region of the Advent Christian denomination.

More than all his great accomplishments, he lived selflessly, with a desire to serve his family and community using the gifts that God had given him. A man of few words, yet full of humility, his life’s work and leadership were motivated by his faith in Christ.

Services will be held on Friday, January 28, 2022 at the Aurora Advent Christian Church. Visitation will be from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and the memorial service will be held at 12:00 noon.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Homer’s memory, to Aurora University, Office of Development, 347 S. Gladstone, Aurora, IL 60506.