IN MEMORIAM: Kenneth L. Eastman, 74;

82nd Airborne Veteran,  Retired From P&G

EDMESTON – Kenneth L. Eastman, 74, of Edmeston, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Monday Dec. 31, 2018.

Ken was born in San Bernardino, Calif., on July 14, 1944, the son of the late Harrison and Gladys Avery Eastman.

Ken was an Army veteran, serving from 1963 to 1966 in the 82nd Airborne. While stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., he met the love of his life, Hilda. They later married at the First Baptist Church on Feb. 18, 1967, in Morris. Ken and Hilda were blessed with over 51 years of marriage.

Following service to his country, Ken relocated to Norwich, where he began his 44 year career with Proctor & Gamble, retiring on Jan. 9, 2009. While with Proctor & Gamble, Ken was a member of the ICWUC Local 251c, holding many positions such as an electrician, chemical operator, and wastewater operator, to name a few. He was also on the P&G Fire Brigade.

Ken loved spending time with family and friends. He was outgoing, and liked to meet new people. He loved to travel with a goal of visiting all the National Parks. He loved the ocean, camping, hunting, and fishing with his family. At home, he enjoyed dirt bikes, four wheelers, doing puzzles, and caring for his animals. He was always eager to try whatever new “toy” the kids and grandkids brought home. He was also a skilled carpenter and master fix-it and took pride in teaching his children and grandchildren his skills. He built the home where he and Hilda lived.

He is survived by his wife, Hilda Matthews Eastman of Edmeston, daughters Sherry (Jay) Johnson of Edmeston, Teresa (David) Kopp of Morris, and Diane (David) Rifanburg of Edmeston; 10 grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Harold Eastman, Danny (Debbie) Eastman, and Robert (Trina) Eastman, sisters Harriet (Jim) Barnard, Carol (Paul) Barnard, Barb (Jon) Sather, and Dolly Sorchych, and many nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter Laurie Ray, grandchildren Kenneth, Alicia, and Kristie, brothers Dennis Eastman, and Timithy Eastman, and sisters Laura MacDonald and Lorine Eastman.

Calling hours will be today (Saturday, Jan. 5) at 1 p.m., directly followed by funeral services at 2 p.m. beginning with military honors at the Burlington Flats Baptist Church, with Pastor Jay Henderson officiating. The family requests casual dress please. 

Arrangements are with Delker & Terry Funeral Home 30 South Street Edmeston, NY 13335.