Phillip Richard "Dick" Eastman's Obituary
Phillip Richard “Dick” Eastman, 73, a long-time resident of Grenola, KS, was welcomed home by Jesus on August 21, 2015. He died peacefully at home surrounded by his family. He had carcinoma of the thymus.
Dick was born in December of 1941 to William and Leah (Wells) Eastman. As a youth growing up in Grenola, Dick and was active in sports, 4-H Club, and the Grenola United Methodist Church. He and his five siblings were an active part of family farm life. After graduating from Grenola High School in 1959, Dick enjoyed working on a farm near Ness City, Kansas. Dick married the love of his life, Marjorie Vaughn, on April 21st, 1962 in Ellicott City Maryland. They began their life together in Kansas after the wedding. After living in McPherson, Minneapolis, Towanda, and El Dorado, Dick and Marjorie moved to the family farm in 1975. He remained there until his death.
Dick graduated from McPherson College in 1966 with degrees in Chemistry and Biology. After teaching high school Chemistry and Physics for two years, he began his career as a Chemical Analyst at Skelly Oil Refinery. Dick developed many lifelong friendships at work. He retired from the refinery in 2009 after 42 years of service.
Dick was an active & faithful member the Grenola United Methodist Church. He loved his family, all things related to agriculture, country living, and winning at cards. He celebrated 53 years of marriage with his wife, Marjorie. He maintained his playful sense of humor even in his last days. He loved his grandchildren and enjoyed spending time with them fishing, going for tractor rides, telling stories, and celebrating their milestones.
Dick was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert “Bob” Eastman, and infant sister, Jeanette. Survivors include his wife, Marjorie, of the home; son, Brit “BT” of Coffeyville; daughter, Jennifer (Ghassan) of Sacramento; and, daughter Julie (Tim) of Overland Park. His grandchildren: Taylor, Bradley, Grace, Jack, Natalie, Madeline, and Chloe. Other survivors include his brother Bill (Beaulah) of Haysville; sister Ann, Wichita; twin brother, Ben “Mick” (Marcita) of Sacramento; and brother, Jim (Carolyn) of Augusta, and many nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, August 29that 10:30 AM at the Grenola United Methodist Church. Visitation will be at 9:30 am on the 29th preceding the service. Burial will follow after the service at Greenlawn Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorials may be made via the funeral home to the Salvation Army or the Grenola United Methodist Church Local Missions Fund and may be left with or mailed to P.O. Box 1233, Howard, KS 67349.
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