Jarad Dustin Easterwood, 40, of Jacksonville, Florida formerly of Dawson, Nebraska was born in West Monroe, Louisiana on December 30, 1982, to Jimmy and Tereasa (Johnson) Easterwood. He attended Calvert elementary school in Auburn, Nebraska before moving to Dawson. Jarad then attended Dawson-Verdon Public school and graduated from Dawson-Verdon High School with the class of 2001. After graduation, he attended Peru State College before moving to Louisiana. On March 12, 2003, Jarad entered active duty in the United States Navy in New Orleans, Louisiana and honorably served his country for nine years until being honorably discharged on March 31, 2012. During his time in the military, he was at port at the following locations; Palma de Mallorca Spain, Corfu Greece, Naples Italy, Marmaris Turkey, and Jebel Ali Dubai. He served on a tour in Iraq in 2008, and volunteered on the USS Comfort to assist with the devastation in Haiti from the earthquake in 2009. While in service, he was united in marriage to Karen Stone in Virginia Beach, Virginia on July 9, 2008. Jarad and Karen lived in Virginia Beach, Virginia relocating to Bernice, Louisiana where he was a long-time employee of Schmidt Ocean as a ROV operator. The couple later divorced. Jarad found the love of his life Sarah Coleman in Jacksonville, Florida in 2018. As an engaged couple God blessed them with a daughter, Tressa Casey Easterwood February 13, 2020. His prayers of being a father were finally answered. In February 2023, Jarad took on new employment with Armach Robotics where he was looking forward to less travel offshore and spending more quality time with his family.
Jarad’s family meant the world to him. He was an attentive father and partner, a loving son, an ornery brother, a super fun uncle, and an amazing friend. Jarad did not know a stranger, and made connections with people wherever he went. Jarad was an avid hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman and cook. He loved hosting and attending crawfish boils and barbecues. Jarad will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He passed away unexpectedly on April 1, 2023, in Titusville, Florida having reached the age of forty years, three months, and two days.
He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents, his brother Jim Easterwood Jr., uncles Joel Easterwood, Bobby Easterwood, and Vernon Johnson.
Jarad is survived by his fiancé Sarah Coleman and their daughter Tressa Easterwood of Jacksonville, FL; father Jim Easterwood and wife Peggy of Dawson, NE; mother Tereasa Primmer of Bernice, LA; siblings: Jennifer Easterwood and fiancé Casey of Jacksonville, FL; Waylon Primmer and wife Brittan of Bernice, LA; Chris Dettmann and husband Rod of Humboldt, NE; Stephanie Schmit and husband Eric of Humboldt, NE; Josh Dunlap and wife Christina of Humboldt, NE; and many other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A Celebration of Jarad’s Life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at the Good News Assembly of God Church in Falls City, Nebraska with Pastor Tim Boatright officiating. Inurnment will immediately follow services at the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Dawson, Nebraska with full military honors conducted.
Visitation will be held from 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. on Friday, April 28, 2023, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 Nemaha Street in Humboldt, Nebraska. Family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions are suggested to the family for later designation. A scholarship fund is being set up for his daughter Tressa education with details posted as they are available.
Condolences may be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com.
