William Richard Eastman

Petty Officer, First Class William R. “Bill” Eastman, USN Retired entered into eternal rest on Feb 11, 2021 at Pensacola, FL after a brief hospitalization. Bill was born in 1937 in Rochester, NY and was a Vietnam Veteran who served numerous tours in the Vietnam Delta and offshore. Rated as an Engine-man First Class he served on the USS Knapp (DD 653), the USS Roan (DD 853), the USS Cohoes (ANL 78) plus other ships and bases from 1959 until his retirement in 1987. After retirement Bill worked for the Gulf Coast Division of Ashland Paving and Construction (APAC) in Pensacola where his primary role was the maintenance and repair of road paving equipment, both in plant and at work sites. His specialized work truck was often at his home and on call at all hours. Especially significant was his key role and dedication in ensuring the companies ability to complete major area wide road improvement and post hurricane rebuild projects. Bill married Mary Catherine “Kat” Vandevender in 1974 and adopted three of her five children. He was predeceased by his parents, Richard and Betty Eastman of Rochester, NY, a sister Mary Odell of Rome, NY and a son Jerry Eastman. He is survived by his Stepson Larry Lambert and wife Debi, sons Dannie & Joseph Eastman, daughter Kathy Reilly and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-children and cousins. Bill was also a highly dedicated member of the American Legion, Warrington, FL, Post 240 where he held various leadership and committee positions. His military decorations include the Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, Combat Action Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Service Medal (2) and numerous unit and campaign citations. Visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb 23, 2021 from 11am to 12pm at Oak Lawn Funeral Home, 619 N. New Warrington Rd., Pensacola, Fl 32506. Funeral Service will be held immediately after with Retired Navy Chaplain Ken Griffin officiating. Interment at Barrancas National Cemetery will follow. Condolences to the family may be addressed to Larry Lambert at 399 Clairmont, Pensacola, FL 32506. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in Bill’s name to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.