Lawrence E. Eastman

Lawrence "Larry" E. Eastman, 85, died July 12, 2006, at his home in Hanover. A Funeral Mass will be held 10:30 a.m., Monday, July 17, 2006 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Hanover with Father Christopher Kuhn as Celebrant. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Hanover with Military Rites and an Illinois State Police Honor Guard Ceremony. Friends may call from 5:00-8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 16, 2006 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home in Hanover. A Rosary Service will be held at 7:45 p.m. during the visitation.
Larry was born April 6, 1921 in Hanover, the son of Guy and Ella (Whalen) Eastman. He attended the Matheson School in rural Hanover and graduated from Hanover High School with the class of 1939. Following graduation, he served in the Civilian Conservation Corps at Lake Chelan, WA, and then worked at the Savanna Ordnance Depot before enlisting in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. During World War II, Larry flew 79 missions as a Fighter-Bomber Pilot in southern Europe. His plane was shot down on two separate missions, and he was awarded the Purple Heart.
Larry married Mildred Arline Veme on Oct. 16, 1948, in Savanna. He graduated from the Northwestern Police Academy and was an Illinois State Policeman for approximately 30 years, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1978. He was a Charter Member and past Commander of Hanover VFW Post #5300 and a Charter Member of the Hanover Lion’s Club. He served the community as a member of the Hanover Village Board and a member of the Hanover Township Library Board. Larry was active for a number of years in the AARP, including serving three years as Northern Illinois District Director. He was a member and past president of the Retired Illinois State Police Association and a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church where he served as a member of the finance committee and as a lector for many years. With his partner and long-time friend Ron Petesch, he founded the Hanover Speed Wash, operating it as a hobby for more than 20 years. He also held membership in the Galena Elks Lodge. Larry loved to travel, play cards, be with friends, and, most of all, be with his family.
Survivors include his wife, Millie; his children, Judy (Paul) Jackson of Galena, IL, Jeff (Corrinne) Eastman of Naperville, IL, and Joann Ralson of Madison, WI; six grandchildren, Erica (Greg) Thayer, Justin, Kevin, and Alex Eastman, and Hannah and Bridget Ralson; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Raymond and LaVerne Eastman.
Memorials may be given to FHN Hospice Freeport or St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Larry’s honor. Larry¹s family would like to thank the Freeport Health Network Hospice organization for their compassionate care.