GUILFORD – Ralph L. Eastman, first sergeant, U.S. Army, retired, 66, passed away Nov. 30, 2010, at his home with his loving family at his side. He was born April 9, 1944, in Dover-Foxcroft, son of Everett and Nellie (Cowperthwaite) Eastman. Ralph served in the U.S. Army for 23 1/2 years, serving with the 173rd Airborne in Vietnam and with Army Special Forces for 10 years. After retiring from the Army, he worked for the Navy as an environmental specialist, and moved home to Maine in 1996. He was past president of the Guilford area Kiwanis, member of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and Vietnam Veterans of America. He had the utmost respect for all veterans and enjoyed giving out coins welcoming home Vietnam veterans. He also enjoyed his talks about Vietnam at Piscataquis Community High School. He enjoyed working for Piscataquis River Festival and with all the people on the committee. He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Yasuko Sue (Okuma) Eastman. She was the world to him. He is also survived by two sons, Paul of Bangor and Edward of Oak Lawn, Ill.; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Eastman of Corinna; and two grandchildren, who he loved very much, Emily Eastman and Katrina Eastman. He is also survived by his brother, Robert and his wife, Barbara, of Sedgwick; sister, Everetta “Ev” and her husband, Clyde “Al” Bowley of Guilford; and numerous nephews. At his request, there will be no funeral service. A graveside service with military honors will be held 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3, at Lawn Cemetery, Guilford, with Pastor Ray Beless officiating. The family has requested that flowers be omitted. Arrangements by Crosby & Neal, Guilford. For an online guest register, go to www.CrosbyNeal.com.
RALPH L. EASTMAN
