Jerry Eugene Eastman, 70, of Mill Creek, quietly passed on June 6, 2026, after a short battle with cancer and a much longer battle with his own stubbornness. While the family eschatology varies, we are confident his mother greeted him in Glory, wielding her trusty broom and armed with ample questions about why he took so long. They’re deep into their Skip-Bo playing now, over a bowl of ice cream, and have likely recruited far too many of the saints to the table. Though, none of us can imagine a Skip-Bo game without cheating or quiet cusses. Redeemed card games sound fun… we guess.

Jer was born to Marvin Eastman and Hazel Pass (Huffman) on February 4, 1956, in Bellefontaine, Ohio. This minor detail would solidify his lifelong loyalty to the Ohio State Buckeyes. You may have seen him in a Penn State shirt, but it was merely a ruse.His family eventually settled in Indiana, Pennsylvania, where he graduated from Indiana Area High School. Over a series of events only safe to discuss amongst those in the immediate family, he ended up in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, where he would go on to raise his seven children. (All Penn State fans, mind you.)

He was a businessman through and through, with a mind that was a steel trap for all knowledge. Jerry spent the bulk of his career next to his brother, John, managing the local McDonald’s. Later, he would work until retirement for Sysco Foods; the excessive hours in the car helping ensure he could continue his weekly phone calls with each of his children. Jerry was a founding member of Heritage Baptist Church in McConnellstown, Pennsylvania. Over the years, he served as youth pastor, deacon, elder, and choir director. Up until his illness, he served in a quieter role as the “tech guy,” overseeing the soundboard and livestreams each Sunday. He believed to his very core that the church body was called to serve, and he lived that conviction faithfully.

On May 28, 2016, Jer married Kimberly (McNerlin), and they celebrated ten beautiful years together in both sickness and health. A testament to their love and friendship was evident in the final days of his life as Kim faithfully stood at his side, loving him until his last breath this side of Heaven.

Jer’s lore is vast, and he was truly larger than life. Maybe you worked for him slinging cheeseburgers (“Jerdog!”) or sat under his teaching when he was your youth pastor. It is possible you got caught in the Walmart freezer section near the ice cream, looked down at your watch, realized two hours had passed, and then felt dejected when he dismissed you because he “had things to do.” Knew him in the 70s? No, you didn’t. Maybe you sat next to him in church or simply caught up with him at the Little League field. No matter the season, you knew Jer because he was always authentically himself. You knew how much he loved his wife, Kim. How deeply he loved and was proud of his seven children and their spouses. How his grandchildren — the whole feral, absolutely bonkers bunch — brought him the greatest joy. You also knew that you could count on him. We all could.

In knowing him, you found a man who loved Jesus and was never afraid to live that out loud. You had a seat at his table, or next to him on the bleachers, or beside him in the pew. His love language was sarcasm, his stories enthralling, his advice sometimes cutting, and his Trivial Pursuit skills? Unmatched. We hold onto this same hope: that he has saved a seat for us at the Skip-Bo table. A man with faith made sight, restored to his Father in peace and with total healing. We cling to that in our grief. We remind ourselves of the blessing of a good husband, father, and grandfather. And we carry the legacy forward with pride. No matter what season you knew Jerry Eugene Eastman, we hope you know that you were loved and that he wanted you to know your life has purpose and meaning.

He leaves behind his wife, Kimberly; his seven children and their spouses, Danielle (Matthew), Samantha (Daniel), Hilary (Philip), Kelsea (James), Zach (Victoria), Noah (Francesca), and Seth (Nicole); his stepsons, Matthew (Bethany) and Derek; his grandchildren, Lillian, Reagan, Benjamin, Brandton, Charlotte, Amelia, Landon, Emma, Elijah, Ezekiel, Clayton, Louise, Dann, and Madison; his siblings, John (Barb) and Joni (Gene); his father, Marvin (Eunice); and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel.

His celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Heritage Baptist Church in McConnellstown, Pennsylvania. All are welcome to attend. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heath-Anderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 61 E. Shirley St., Mount Union, "Honored Provider of Veterans Funeral Care™." Condolences may be made at AndersonFamilyFuneralHomes.com