Dakota Mitchel Easton "Cody"

With deepest sorrow, we announce that Dakota (Cody) Mitchel Easton, our beloved husband, son, father, brother, family member and close friend passed suddenly on his birthday, Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 while in the hospital.
Although only 33 at the time of his death, Dakota affected many people in his lifetime. All would agree that he lived life to its fullest with no regrets. A life of so much accomplishment and promise.
This loving, caring and wonderful man left a permanent mark etched into the hearts of his wife, Brie Easton and his baby girl Lilith Easton.
Dakota’s parents, Rebecca and Ted Duval will always remember him most for his loving nature, adventurous demeanor, and how he was always there to help anyone and everyone. He will always be his mom’s baby boy. Dakota knew it was time for a visit when his mom told him, “I miss your face!”. His sister, Sabrina Sapp, will forever cherish her memories of hunting, fishing, and trail riding with her brother. They all agree that Dakota could easily light up any room he entered. He didn’t allow people to be mad or sad.
Brie Easton, Dakota’s wife will never forget the first time they met, when she walked into his backyard, he was sitting in a hammock with a big black lab named Spooner at his feet, with the biggest grin on his face. That first day, that man became her best friend. He even went as far as buying her a pink camo coffee mug, just to get her to stay over, because she loves her coffee, and he made her a pot every day for the better part of a decade. Dakota put his all into everything he did, from work to family, to honestly their life. He took such pride in being her husband, a father, and uncle. Dakota loved hunting. Brie thinks maybe he loved hunting just a little more than he loved her, and she was ok with it because being in the woods is what truly made him happy. She will forever miss him kicking the kitchen door open with a smile on his face. There’s so much Brie could say about Dakota, she feels he was the better part of her. He affected so many, and changed so many and all for the better.
Dakota treated all his friends as if they were family. He was a true friend – ready and willing at a moment’s notice to lend a hand.
Dakota was the first born as well as the first grandchild so naturally he took on the leading role. Kids adored him. Some say that may be because he was a big kid himself. He had many cousins, nieces, and nephews that looked up to him.
Dakota had a profound love for the outdoors. So much so he lived in the woods on his own for a month just to be able to say he did it. Dakota built his own teepee and hunted for every meal. From the moment he learned to walk until his last breath he loved everything that involved getting dirty. One of Dakota’s favorite outdoor activities was going deer hunting with his dad, grandpa, and friends.
Dakota is preceded in death by his baby girl, Lilith; best friend (cousin) Montana; best friend (Grandfather) Larry; Grandfather Blue; Aunt Shelly. He leaves behind his wife Brie; parents, Rebecca and Ted; sister, Sabrina (Brian) and their children, Xander, Avery, and Braylee; Grandmother Phyllis; Grandmother Kathy; Aunt Lisa; Aunt Megan (Scott) and their children, Blake and Bailee; Aunt Wendi (Branden) and their children, Ethan, Austin (Lucie) and their child Vincent; Aunt Becky (Mike) and their children, Bubba, Chyenne, and Keirston; Aunt Julie and family; brother-in-law Aarin; brother-in-law Calvin and his two children, Tucker and Callie; other aunts, uncles and cousins; and many close friends.
Memorial Service for Dakota will be taking place on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the Gephart Funeral Home. The family will be present to receive visitors at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions may be made to Wishes of the Family.