Joseph Easton

Reverend Joseph Lee Easton passed away on October 24, 2024, at the age of 91, after being at home on hospice for 30 days with his wife, Kim. Joseph, the only child of Moldie Easton and Madonna Adams was born in Mattoon, Illinois on Monday, February 13, 1933. He was baptized in 1945 when he was age 12 at the Assembly of God Church in Denver, CO. He grew up in Denver and graduated from West High School in 1951, where he played football as a running back. He graduated from Rockmont College in 1955 and Illiff Seminary in 1959 with a Master's in Divinity. Joe entered the Methodist Ministry in 1962 and was ordained as an Elder in 1965.

He served United Methodist Churches of the Rocky Mountain Conference in Johnstown, Pueblo, Montrose, Merino-Atwood, Yuma, Colorado and Newcastle, Wyoming. Joe transferred to the Yellowstone Conference in 1989, where he served Methodist Churches in Townsend and Roundup Montana with his new bride Kimberly Kaye (Brown) Easton, whom he married on December 29, 1989. During his last 16 months, he served a three-point charge in Roundup, Lavina and Ryegate. After retirement, he served briefly as Interim Pastor of Van Orsdel Methodist Church in Havre. Joe gave energetic, dynamic and inspiring sermons that you didn't want to miss, raising membership roles and filling the pews.

Joe's hobbies included: Reading Literature, Philosophy, Theology, Poetry and History. Fishing--He caught one of his biggest fish in Broadwater Co. He loved football and is an avid fan of the Chicago Bears. He was a life-time weight lifter and could leg press 300 lbs. He told everyone he was the strongest old man at the Billings Senior Center. Finally, Joe could sing. He had a heavenly sounding Bass-Baritone voice, and was a member of the Choir in all of the churches he served. His voice turned heads. One favorite was when he sang, “Go Down Moses,” in A Capella. Just imagine.

Joe's reflection at Retirement (June 2000)- "For me, Montana has been a place of enchantment. The second trout I caught was 24 inches long. The churches I have served here have been distinguished by their singing. Many of the best singers in the world must live in Montana. If I were to choose a word to characterize the United Methodist Church in Montana, I would choose GRACE. From bishops and superintendents, to pastors and laymen, I have experienced grace. Having ended my ministry as a circuit rider in a small way has brought me joy."

Joe was a deeply religious man, who loved “The Church.” Joe loved everyone and everyone loved Joe. When his wife Kim first met him, he told her that he wanted to be an Orthodox Priest, but did not think he could. After he retired and moved to Billings in 2001, he attended the Methodist Church and soon began attending ST Nicholas Orthodox Church in 2002, as well. The first time he attended, he said, “It felt like I went to Heaven!” The liturgy and beautiful services, drew him to the Orthodox Church. More than this, he wanted to be close to the holiness of God. Joe was administered the Sacred Mystery of Chrismation on June 11, 2011, and lead a prayer group at ST Nicholas organized by Archpriest John Anderson from 2014-2019.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Kimberly; his two step-daughters, Tiffany Metzler and Cortney Flores (who admired him and loved him dearly and saw him as a positive role model in their lives); his two daughters, Angela Wetzbarger and Tonya Miskel of Grand Junction, Colorado; 8 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren.

Services will be held at ST. Nicholas of Canan Orthodox Church, 401 Lewis Ave, Billings MT 59101: Panikhida, Friday, November 8 at 5:30 p.m.; Funeral Service Saturday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. Joe will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 1721 Central Ave, Billings.