EASTMAN, Phillip Richard "Dick" - b. December 18, 1941 - d. August 21, 2015

[patyrn]

Phillip Richard "Dick" Eastman, 73, a longtime resident of Grenola, Kansas, 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 on December 18, 1941 to William and Leah (Wells) Eastman.

As a youth growing up in Grenola, Dick was active in sports, 4-H Club, and the Grenola United Methodist Church.  He and his five siblings were an active part of the family farm life.  After graduating from Grenola High School in 1959, Dick enjoyed working on a farm near Ness City, Kansas.  He married the love of his life, Marjorie Vaughn on April 21, 1962 in Elliott City, Maryland.  They began their life together in Kansas after the wedding.  After living in McPherson, Minneapolis, Towanda, and El Dorado, Kansas, Dick and Marjorie moved to the family farm in 1975.  He remained their 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 and faithful member of 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.

Survivors include his wife, Marjorie, of the home; son, Brit "B.T." of Coffeyville, Kansas; daughters, Jennifer (Ghssan) of Sacramento and Julie "Tim" of Overland Park, Kansas; grandchildren, Taylor, Bradley, Grace, Jack, Natalie, Madeline, and Chloe.  Other survivors include his brother, Bill (Beaulah) of Haysville, Kansas; sister, Ann of Wichita, Kansas; twin brother, Ben "Mick" (Marcita) of Sacramento; and brother, Jim (Carolyn) of Augusta, Kansas; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Robert "Bob" Eastman, and infant sister, Jeanette.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 29, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the Grenola United Methodist Church.  Visitation will precede the service at 9:30 a.m.  Burial will follow after the service at Greenlawn Cemetery in Grenola.  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 sent to the funeral home.  Countryside Funeral Home, 206 E. Washington, Howard, Kansas 67349 is in charge of arrangements.

(taken from the Countryside Funeral Home website)