AUBURN — Robert D. Eastman, 89, of Peru, died Wednesday, Dec. 12, at the Androscoggin Hospice House.

He was born Sept. 10, 1923, in Mexico, a son of Arthur and Minnie (Burnham) Eastman. He attended schools in Rumford and Mexico before enlisting in the U.S. Navy, serving for three years during World War II in the South Pacific, most of which was on Tinian Island. He was discharged on Dec. 5, 1945.

On Oct. 7, 1946, he married Christine Luce in Dixfield. She died on Jan. 3, 1990. Bob worked for more than 40 years in the Rumford paper mill, several of which were in the steam plant.

He was an American Legion member for 56 years including memberships in the Peru and Rumford chapters as well as a member of the Rumford VFW. He was also a past commander of the Peru Legion.

Bob had a lifelong interest in anything electrical or mechanical. He had a self-taught ability to fix just about anything and often said, “if you want it done right, you’ve got to do it yourself.” He also enjoyed traveling, camping, yard sales and attending public suppers.

He is survived by his close companion of 21 years, Geneva Raymond of Livermore; a daughter, Louanne Cameron and her husband, Rob, of Rumford; a son, Bruce Eastman and his wife, Sharon, of Buxton; grandchildren, Robert L. Cameron of Livermore, Susan Cameron Johnson of Clarksville, Tenn., Sean M. Cameron and his wife, Linda, of Rumford and Kristin Cameron Matteson and her husband, Tim, of Smyrna, Tenn.; great-grandchildren, Mathew and Jacob Johnson, Quinton Cameron, Aaron and Ian Cameron; stepgranddaugther, Alyce Ann Richardson; several nieces and nephews; and his companion, Geneva’s family.

He was predeceased by his siblings, Willard, Clarence, Earl and Hilda.

Words of condolence and tribute may be shared with his family and friends on his tribute wall at www.wilesrc.com.

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