Tom "The Beast" Eastman

Tom “The Beast” Eastman, 61 of Elkhart, passed away Monday, Nov. 30, 2015 at Elkhart General Hospital.

He was born Nov. 30, 1954 in Elkhart to James T. and Daisy L. (Lovejoy) Eastman. Surviving are his fiancée, Karen Cundiff and her daughter, Kendra Cundiff of Elkhart; a son, Robert Eastman of Elkhart and a daughter, Elizabeth (Jurabek) Kholikov of Tampa, FL and a grandson, Temur Kholikov; 3 sisters, Gail A. Eastman of Elkhart, Jan L. (James) Mellott of Bristol and Patricia (Alan) Handler of Highland Park, IL; a brother, Bill (Jeanie) Eastman of Pinehurst, NC and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Tom was the Concord Branch Manager for Key Bank. Tom graduated from Elkhart Central High School in 1973 where he was an All-American in football, basketball and track and was a recipient of the Tim Bringle Award. He continued his education from 1973-1977 at the University of Notre Dame on a scholarship as a linebacker winning the National Championship in 1973 at the Sugar Bowl and Orange Bowl champions in 1974 and 1975.

Visitation for Tom will be from 2-8 pm Friday, Dec. 4th at Stemm-Lawson-Peterson Funeral Home and an hour prior to the 11 am service on Saturday, Dec. 5th at First Presbyterian Church, Elkhart. Pastor Sarah Sanderson-Doughty will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Elkhart Central High School Athletic Association (ECHSAA). Online condolences may be sent to www.stemmlawsonpeterson.com.