Obituary of Gene Andrew Eastman

Gene Eastman, 57, of Newport, passed away on January 28, 2017. He has now joined his adored wife Mikki in heaven, who predeceased him on November 14, 2016. Gene was born on October 3, 1959 to Louis and Theda (Petree) Eastman-Murphy. Following graduation from Central High School in Savannah, Tennessee in 1978, Gene joined the United States Navy and honorably served for eight years. He was very proud to be a Seabee. During that time, he met his soulmate Michele (Mikki) Rogers and they were married on August 13, 1983. Together they had five children. Gene was a tremendous father, often working two or more jobs as a plasterer, carpenter and drywaller to provide for his wife and children. He adored being “Papaw” to his grandsons. He enjoyed woodworking, University of Michigan football and classic westerns. Cherishing his memory are his children Jessica Rogers, ReAnna (Kevin) Hemry II, Andrea Eastman, Stuart Eastman and Caleb Eastman, all of Monroe; his grandsons Dylan and Aiden; his sisters Patricia Knight of Selmer, Tennessee, Gay (Frank) Harville of Savannah, Tennessee, Gale (Ronnie) Anglin of Counce, Tennessee, Judy (Lawrence) Weatherholtz of Autaugaville, Alabama and Sue (Jim) Bruce of Kendallville, Indiana. He was proceeded in death by his wife Mikki, his parents, his twin brother John Eastman, his brother David Eastman and his sister Emily Willis. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street; Monroe, Michigan (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will follow at 7:00pm with Reverend Mike Gilbert of Brookstone Christian Academy officiating. He will lie in state at 10:00am until a Funeral Service at 11:00am on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Church of Christ Eastside, 142 North 4th Street; Selmer, Tennessee. Procession will follow to Ramer Cemetery in Ramer, Tennessee. As Gene hating ‘dressing up’, the family will be wearing jeans and t-shirts in honor of his memory and asks that you do the same. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for funeral arrangements. Online guests may leave words of inspiration of comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.