Robert M. Eastham

A Celebration of of Bob's life will be at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023, at the Vassar First United Methodist Church (139 N Main St, Vassar, MI 48768).

Robert Milton Eastham, age 94, of Vassar, MI, beloved father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many, passed away with family by his side as he was welcomed into his Heavenly home on April 16, 2023.

The son of Glenn and Anna (Call) Eastham, Bob was born on March 20, 1929, in Bay City, Michigan. He spent his early years in Caro. Bob played the clarinet as well as the string bass and graduated from Caro High School in 1948. During his teen years he worked at the family business, Eastham’s Cleaners, in Caro and played with his dad in several bands including the Fred Gunsell Orchestra, a popular dance band. Bob went to business school and worked as a banker before pursuing a career in music.

Bob married the love of his life Edna Robinson on July 1, 1951. They were married for 67 years. She preceded him in death on May 1, 2019. Music was Bob’s life. He was a musician for his entire life and was an accomplished string bass player. He was a member of multiple bands and Jazz groups throughout the years, most notably in the “Eastham Trio” with his father Glenn and sister Glenda, playing for many activities and events in Caro and the surrounding area, the big band “Out of the Past” playing for many years with his father and later, playing with his good friend, Dave Opperman in the phenomenal “New Reformation Dixieland Band” at multiple events in the area. He was a well known piano tuner until he retired in 2019. He was also a Millington Cardinals fan and loved watching his grandson Johnny growing up excelling in every sport. Bob was a faithful member of the Vassar First United Methodist Church and a dedicated member of the Combined Choir. He was a Mason and hasbeen a member of the Caro Mt. Moriah Lodge #226 for 67 years. He was a Shriner and a member of the Elf Khurafeh Shrine of Saginaw for many years. He became a Registered Piano Technician in 1980 and has been a member of the Piano Technicians Guild for 43 years.

Bob leaves to cherish his memory, his son: Jeff Eastham; his daughter-in-law and caregiver: Jan Holme-Shaw; daughter-in-law: Rose Eastham; 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren: Robyn (John Crump III) and their son Johnny Crump IV; John Glenn Eastham; Hillary Huebler (Vince Almy) and their daughter Everly Almy; Brad’s children: Kortney Eastham; Jacob (Crystal) Sackman and their children Cody, Isabelle and Jada; Tara (Sackman) Anson and her two daughters. He is also survived by a dear sister: Glenda (George) Wilson and a niece and nephew: Lonnie Nicosia and Leigh Wilson.

Besides his wife, Edna, and his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his son, Brad in 2018 and his grandson, SSG Justin Jay who died in 2010 while serving his country in the U.S. Army.