Robert Eugene (Gene) Eastin

Robert Eugene (Gene) Eastin died October 28, 2015 at Kansas Soldiers Home, Fort Dodge. Gene was born April 17, 1924 in Hutchinson to Robert C. and Elvra (Snider) Eastin.

Gene’s parents moved to Stanton County in 1942 where their family farmed. In 1944, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in World War II, serving in the European Theatre. Gene was a POW in Germany. After being discharged from the Army, he came back and continued farming. Gene married Emma Lou Bontrager in 1951. To this union was born one daughter, Susan. In 1971, Gene moved to Dodge City and worked for Congressman Keith Sebelius and Senator Pat Roberts, where he was very active in the Republican Party. He married Myrna Sue Everhart on May 31, 1985. In 1990, Gene retired.

Gene served on the board of the Federal Land Bank. He was active in Dodge City Roundup, where he served as President in 1993 & 1994. He was a member of the Dodge City Church of the Nazarene. Gene was an avid fan of the KU Jayhawks.

Gene is survived by his wife, Myrna of the home, one sister, Ella Mae Julian of Johnson; one daughter Susan Sullivan and husband Wayne of Houston, Texas and their children, Megan and Will Ylitalo of Houston, Texas and Lt. Logan and Caitlin Sullivan of San Diego California; three step sons, Jack Harned of Ellsworth, Scott and Marlene Harned, and their children, Nicole and Levi of Apache Junction, Arizona, Ty and wife Elizabeth of Mesa, Arizona, James and Janette Harned and their children Rachael, Christian, Carmelle, Clair, and Rafe of Draper, Utah. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother-in-law, Ted Julian; one nephew, Basil Julian; and one granddaughter, Caitlyn Rose Harned.

Funeral service will be held at Dodge City Church of the Nazarene on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 10:30 AM with Rev. Michael Burns presiding. Burial will be at 2:00 PM at Kansas Veterans’ Cemetery in Ft. Dodge with military rites by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home in Dodge City on Sunday, November 1, 2015 from noon to 6:00 PM. Memorials may be made in Gene’s honor to the Church of the Nazarene or Kansas Soldier’s Home Resident’s Fund in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.