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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Donny Easterling is retiring after 40 years working at the City of Clanton water treatment plant.

Easterling said the retirement system has it as 39 years and several months since he was not eligible to contribute to retirement right away.

The city held a reception to celebrate with him and honor his years of service on April 14.

Easterling first came to work for the department at the invitation of employee Herman Blalock.

“I had a job, but this was an improvement,” Easterling said. “Where I was working didn’t have any benefits, and the city even then had some benefits.”

The job also seemed to be one that would have a good future.

Over the years, the department has changed gradually with advancements in technology and improvements.

“Clanton has been growing all along,” Easterling said. “We just had to grow with it.”

Looking back on his career, Easterling said the department was “a good fit.”

“I know everybody’s job is important, but I felt like providing clean water is a good service,” Easterling said.

He has also enjoyed the opportunity to work in his community.

At the retirement celebration, Clanton Mayor Jeff Mims said he has known Easterling for even longer than he has worked for the city.

“I appreciate what Donny has done, appreciate all the time he put in for the city of Clanton,” Mims said.

The mayor said he wished Easterling was younger, so he could continue offering his hard work and dedication to the city.

Fellow city employees, family members and friends were on hand to wish Easterling well and celebrate the occasion.