Dr. Robert "Bob" Dean Eastman

Dr. Robert (Bob) Dean Eastman, 92, of Sun City West, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, after a three-year illness. Private services will be held at Roseland Cemetery in Texas.

Bob was born in 1933, the second son of Harry and Ellen Eastman. An energetic and engaged child, he eagerly participated in school activities, inspired by his father’s role as a school superintendent. During his sophomore year of high school, Bob’s family moved to Vinton. In his senior year, he met Marlene, the love of his life, and graduated in 1951.

He attended Iowa State University in Ames, where he majored in business and participated in the Navy NROTC program. The following day after graduating, Bob and Marlene were married in 1955, after a four-year courtship. Bob proudly served two years in the U.S. Navy spending six months aboard the destroyer USS Hamner, six months in San Diego and another year stationed in Boston. Following his tenure in the Navy, he embarked on a new journey, one that involved extensive travel to showcase and sell kitchen designs.

He then chose a path that would define his legacy in the field of education. He followed in his father's footsteps by pursuing a teaching license at the University of Northern Iowa. Bob’s first teaching job took him to the island of Guam, which became one of the highlights of his life. He loved the people and bravely endured Typhoon Karen, conducting scientific readings of the storm as it devastated the island. Upon returning to the mainland, he worked for the University of Northern Iowa while earning his master’s degree to become a principal. With years of experience behind him, he returned to Iowa State University to earn his doctorate, enabling him to serve as a superintendent of schools, a role he excelled in and truly enjoyed.

Bob and his family lived in several Iowa towns, each move guided by new opportunities and a spirit of growth. In every community, Bob immersed himself in local organizations, stepping into leadership roles and always offering a helping hand when needed. A devoted Presbyterian, he sang in the choir at every church he joined and was frequently called upon to sing at funerals. His love of music extended beyond the sanctuary, as he also found great joy performing in a barbershop quartet.

In August 2025, his enduring love was honored with a 70th wedding anniversary celebration. True to his word, Bob made a heartfelt promise to reach their anniversary—and he succeeded! His adventurous spirit defined much of his life, and the stories he and Marlene created together are treasured by all who knew them. He was deeply proud of his family, and he and Marlene shared a joyful, adventurous life together—never a dull moment.

His memory will be cherished by his loving wife Marlene; daughter in law Joni, children Ronald and Bobbi Jo; grandchildren Nicole, Danielle, Jaime, Christopher, Emily, David, and Xavier; great-grandchildren Darcy, Marla, Afton, Jonathan, Genevieve, and Clarence; sister in laws, nieces and nephews. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim, and his son Rob.