Ronald William Eastman

Ronald William Eastman, long-time resident of Coalinga, CA died suddenly on November 16, 2017 in Fresno, California from complications of a stroke, after he was found unconscious in his home on November 15, 2017. He was previously in excellent health and 2 weeks shy of his 84th birthday.

Ron is survived by his sister, Marilyn Granum and sister-in-law, Inez Eastman, both of Sioux Falls, SD; his children, Jennifer Kozakowski (Frank) of Culver City, CA, Dr. Stacy Eastman (Steve) of Coalinga, CA, and James Eastman (Tiffanie) of Tracy, CA; his 9 grandchildren Kathryn, Matthew, Tyler, Lance, Alexandra, Jonathan, Michael, Megan, and Baby Brooke (due in December); his two great-grandchildren, Charlie, and Liam; and over 60 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great nephews, and few great-greats. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy of Coalinga, CA; his parents, Erving and Florence; his sisters, Dorothy Eastman of Sioux Falls, SD and Margaret Lyman of Fort Dodge, IA; his brothers, Gordon and Robert, both of Sioux Falls, SD; his sister-in law, Maxine McIntyre; his brothers-in-law Bud Granum, Charles Lyman, and James McIntyre; his nephew, Stephen Eastman and niece, Joan Thill.

Ron was born on November 29, 1933 in Sioux Falls, SD, the youngest of Erving and Florence’s 6 children. Ron attended St. Joseph Cathedral school from kindergarten through high school, graduating from Cathedral High School (now O’Gorman High) in 1952. To this day, he is in close touch with several of his Cathedral classmates, including lifelong friends, Rich Baker, Joan Middendorff, Bob Warner and his wife Lois, Joann Hines, Casey O’Connell, and Marj Tapken. He started college in South Dakota, and then enlisted in the United States Army where he served for 2 years (1953-1955) during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged on June 14, 1955 and served an additional 8 years in the Army Reserve. He returned home to Sioux Falls, planning to continue his education. He came to Coalinga in 1956 to attend Coalinga College and play basketball for a former coach. He met his one true love, Judy Boothe, while playing tennis. They began dating, and upon her graduation from Coalinga High School, they married on June 21, 1958 at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Coalinga. Ron, who had been a temporary letter carrier joined the U.S. Postal Service as a full-time letter carrier in Coalinga, where served for 33 years. He retired in 1989. In addition to his full-time work as a letter carrier he served as the sports editor for the Coalinga Record for over 10 years, and as the bar manager at the Elks Club. Over the years, they welcomed 3 children, all graduates of Coalinga High School.

In addition to his over 35 years of Civil Service, Ron was a gifted athlete and an avid sports fan. He was inducted into the O’Gorman/Cathedral High School Athletic Hall of Fame in September 1998 for basketball. He played several sports in high school and college, as well as in several adult leagues in Coalinga. He was also a basketball referee and baseball/softball umpire. He coached his children’s sports teams and in his retirement, he served a volunteer assistant coach with West Hills College basketball team, coaching the 2006-2007 championship team. On October 28, 2017 he was inducted into the West Hills College Athletic Hall of Fame as an assistant coach with the entire 2006-2007 team. A life-long Dodger fan, he and his son attended Game 1 of the 2017 World Series at Dodger Stadium. He was strong supporter and booster of Coalinga High School and West Hills College athletic programs. He was involved in numerous community organizations throughout his many years in Coalinga. He was an active member of the Elks Club for over 50 years, where he served in variety of capacities and cooked many a great meal. He started every day by having coffee with his buddies at the Elks. He could be found there many evenings as well. He was an active parishioner at St. Paul the Apostle in Coalinga for over 60 years, where we served in variety of roles over the many years, most recently as a Eucharistic Minister.

More than anything, Ron was a devoted and involved family man not only to his immediate family, but also to his large, extended family. He was a devoted son and brother, a faithful and loving husband, the best dad anyone could ever ask for, a loving and fun papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and he was the favorite uncle to most of his many nieces and nephews. Ron and Judy did not define their family by blood, and opened their home and hearts to many over the years. Many considered Ron the father or brother they never had. Ron could light up a room with his very presence and was the life of the party.

Ron passed away peacefully surrounded by his family led in prayer by his parish priest from St. Paul’s in Coalinga. It was a beautiful, peaceful, and perfect way to transition from this life to eternal life. He will be remembered for his snappy dress, bright smile, the spring in his step, and the twinkle in his eye.

A Rosary Service will be held on Friday, November 24, 2017 at 6:00 PM and a Funeral Mass of the Resurrection on Saturday, November 25, 2017 at 10:00 AM, both at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church; 637 Sunset St., Coalinga, CA. A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, November 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM, at Pleasant Valley Cemetery; 40054 Calaveras Ave, Coalinga, CA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to West Hills College Foundation: Men's Basketball; 300 W. Cherry Ln., Coalinga, CA 93210 (559) 934-2000.

Family and Friends are invited to view Ron’s legacy at www.coalingachapel.com and send condolences to the family which will be printed in a memorial keepsake book later.

Services by Palm Memorial Coalinga Chapel (559) 584-5591.