CTC US NAVY W4BJR Kenai resident Edward Beckham East, Sr., died Saturday, July 31, 2010 at Central Peninsula Hospital in Soldotna. He was 84. Mr. East Sr. was born Mar. 9, 1926 in Bessemer, Alabama. He graduated high school and attended college and technical schools. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 until retiring in 1964. He then worked for the Federal Marshall Service from 1964 to 1986, when he retired. He was a licensed pilot and held and amateur radio license, "W4BJR." "Weep not for this special man. He is at peace. Our lives he touched in many special ways. Take this with you, his love of God, country and family. Share his kindness with a stranger. Dad never met a stranger. Hold you loved ones as he held us. Dad traveled the world, defended his country, and made Alaska his home for a short while. He is missed. He loved his new family at Central Peninsula Hospital, Babe, Honey, Sugar, Med/Surg nurses, respiratory therapists and CNAs were this and more. He loved you all." Ed said, "I have traveled the world, been in the best hospitals, but never had better care anywhere than Central Peninsula Hospital." "Remember his stories and his life. Weep not for this man for he is at peace now." "Boogaloo, Koko and Lard A** miss you too...Love You, Louise" Mr. East was preceded in death by his parents, sister, and sons, William East, Michael East and Jon Michael East. He is survived by his wife, Merdis East of Kenai; sons and daughters-in-law, Edward B. and Velinda East Jr. of Kenai and Patrick T. and Danny East of Union Springs, Alabama; grandsons, Spencer K. East of Reno, Nev., Collin East of California, Kenneth Stephen and wife, Michelle of Kenai, and Michael Fischer of Sterling; granddaughter, Gabrielle East of Louisiana; great-granddaughter, Grace "Boogaloo" Stephen of Kenai; niece, Carol Hodge and husband, Jim of Louisiana; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Johnny and Marie Abreo of Louisiana. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 6, 2010 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm at the H. C. Alexander Funeral Home in Lutcher and will continue on Saturday, August 7, 2010 from 8:00 am until 10:40 am. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am at the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church in Gramercy with Fr. Vincent Dufresne officiant. Burial will follow in the St. Joseph Mausoleum in Paulina. |