Wilbur Eastwood

Wilbur Edward "Big E" Eastwood, 87 of rural Centerville, Kansas died peacefully in his home on July 29, 2012. Wilbur was born June 16, 1925 to Henry Edward and Esther Marie Jackson Eastwood in Moran, Kansas. He grew up and attended school in Moran, Kansas graduating from Moran High School in 1943. Upon graduation he joined the U.S. Navy, serving until his discharge on March 14, 1948. Upon his return home, he was united in marriage to Marilyn Berniece Quaintance on May 2, 1948. They were the parents of three sons. They made their home in Centerville, Kansas where Wilbur worked for the Bendix Corporation, milked cows, and farmed. In the 1960's he owned and operated Home Oil Company while continuing to farm. After selling that business, he started Big E Drilling in the early 1980's, and of course, kept farming. Wilbur was a proud member of Masonic Lodge #341 of Parker, the Scottish Rite, the Shriners, the American Legion, and Centerville Community Church. Wilbur enjoyed life and never tired of country living. He kept an eye on the coming and going of cattle in the area and maintained an interest in gardening until the end. He loved the Lord and his family, of whom he was immensely proud of every member. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Wilma Shinn. Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Marilyn, of the home; three sons, Mike (Vicki) Eastwood of Parker, Mark (Charla) Eastwood of Paola, and Dave (Laura) Eastwood of Mound City; his brother, Dee (Erma) Eastwood, Bronson; brother-in-law, Danny Shinn, Fort Scott; sisters-in-law Jacqueline Smith, Ottawa, Beverly (Calvin) Knapp, Wellsville, and Sue (Bernard) Dumcum, Parker. He also leaves behind 11 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Wilbur will always be remembered for his hearty laugh, firm handshake, and love of coffee...lots of it-black! Visitation was Tuesday evening, July 31, 2012 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory. A funeral service was held Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 10:00 AM at Centerville Community Church followed by graveside services at Centerville Cemetery. Pallbearers were his grandsons; Kyle Eastwood, Clint Eastwood, Eric Eastwood, Travis Eastwood, Brandon Eastwood, Justin Eastwood, and Jason Eastwood. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Centerville Community Church Scholarship Fund c/o Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, P.O. Box J Mound City, KS 66056.