Ted L. Eastman, Sr.

Ted Lee Eastman, Sr. age 87 of Midland, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday January 23, 2026, at MyMichigan Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Ted was the third son of the late James R. and Gladys (Whitehead) Eastman. Born on May 14, 1938, in Mt. Haley Township and lived on the same property most of his life.

When growing up, Ted attended Merrill Public Schools, then transferred to Midland Public Schools where he graduated in 1956. He then attended and was certified by the Detroit School of Electronics in Flint. Ted employment began at Ken Van Company in Midland. In 1965 he went to work for Sears and Roebuck as a service technician, then promoted to central service manager for Michigan and the last five years Manager of the Sears Automotive Center and in Store electronics department. He retired after 21 years of service then with the help of his family, he opened his own business Ted’s Home & Lawn, Inc. in Midland in 1985 and continued to stay very active in the family business with his wife, son and daughter until his passing.

Ted’s maternal grandfather, Oren Whitehead founded a church in Midland East Ashman Church of God that Ted attended for 60 years and served in many different roles within the church. In his later years, he attended Floyd Church of God, founded by his paternal grandmother, Francis Eastman.

Ted was a member of the Gideons, Midland Area Real Estate Investor Association and served as President of the Delta Engine Association. He was a member of the Studley Granger and Bullock Creek Business Association. Sports was always important to Ted. He was involved in Fast Pitch Softball, was an avid bowler, a member of the Midland Tennis Center and was an enthusiastic Loons Baseball Fan. He enjoyed traveling, motorcycles, antique cars and traditional country music, but most important to Ted was his family, his church family, friends and of course his savior Jesus Christ.

Ted met the love of his life, Marjorie Mae Melchi at Church of God St. Louis campground. They were married on June 14, 1958, at East Ashman Church of God in Midland. Marge has been a loving companion. They celebrated their 67-wedding anniversary on June 14, 2025. Two children have blessed this union: son, Ted L. (Shelly) Eastman, Jr.; daughter, Toni Leigh Eastman; grandchildren, Renae (Federico) Vallazza, Jason (April) Sommers, Christina Richardson, Rob Tousignant; great grandson, Nicolas Vallazza and 7 other great grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Mary Stephen; many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by brothers, Richard J. (Peggy) Eastman, Donald R. (Dora) Eastman; infant sister, Ione Eastman; brothers in law, Connie (Bill) Doughty, Jerry Brown and John Stephen.

A celebration of Ted’s life will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Friday January 30, 2026, at Floyd Church of God. Pastor Steve Gulick will officiate. Interment of his ashes will be in the spring in Homer Township Cemetery. Family will receive guests at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, contribution may be directed to the Floyd Church of God or Gideons.