Allen Eastburn

Allen Ralph "Al" Eastburn, 83, passed away on March 11, 2025, in New Albany, Ohio.

Born on August 10, 1941, in Fairmount, Indiana, Allen was raised in a faith-centered home. His father, Reverend John Eastburn, and his paternal grandparents were preachers in the Pilgrim Holiness Church, which later merged with the Wesleyan Church. Though he spent years away from religion, Allen rededicated his life to Christ in 2020.

Allen graduated from Bruce High School in Exeland, Wisconsin, and later earned his Journeyman Millwright certification at Tucker Career Center in Marion, Indiana. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1959 and completed basic training at Fort Hood, Texas. He served three years at Schofield Barracks in Oahu, Hawaii, as part of the 2nd Armored Division "Hell on Wheels" unit in transportation until 1961.

After his military service, Allen built a diverse and successful career. He worked for many years at Owens Illinois in Gas City, Indiana, before retiring. A man of ambition and determination, he founded Summit Corrugated, a corrugated box factory in Summitville, Indiana. In the early 1970s, alongside his wife Janet, he owned and operated Eastburn Shoe Store in Fairmount, Indiana. His dedication to his community extended beyond business-he served as the mayor of Summitville and volunteered as a firefighter. Later in life, he retired from the state of Ohio after working as a maintenance man for the state's MRDD facility.

Allen was married to his beloved wife, Janet May Keith Eastburn, for 57 years until her passing. Their marriage was filled with love and devotion, and he deeply missed her in his final years. Together they built a family that brought him immense joy. He is survived by his son Marlin D. Eastburn (Debbie) of Fairmount, Indiana; daughter Janene Eastburn Lewis of Reynoldsburg, Ohio; brother Arnie (Joann) Eastburn; sisters Pat Eastburn Brass and Sandra Eastburn (James) Florea; grandchildren Lindsay Eastburn (Michael) Mace, Zachary (Stephanie) Eastburn, Derek Eastburn, Allen (Julie) Eastburn, Shelby Eastburn, Hannah Eastburn, Cameron Lewis, Gary (Kristina) Lewis III, Nathanael (Bre) Lewis, and Ross Lewis; and great-grandchildren Brylee Mace, Emerlyn Mace, Evelina Eastburn, Rae Eastburn, Rosie Eastburn, Evelyn Bryant, Eiven Bryant, Makynzie Franklin, Graycee Franklin, Jase Franklin, Olivia Lewis, Landon Lewis, Charlotte Lewis, Benjamin Allen Lewis, Gia Lewis, and Vivian Lewis.

He was preceded in death by his wife Janet; son David Allen Eastburn; brother James Eastburn; parents Reverend John Eastburn and Lois Hollenbeck Eastburn; and grandparents Ralph Eastburn and Ruth Barney Eastburn.

Allen had a deep love for the outdoors and could often be found working in his yard or tinkering in his garage. He was an avid NASCAR fan with an unwavering admiration for Dale Earnhardt Sr. Above all else, he cherished time spent with his grandchildren. Known for his sharp wit and self-deprecating sense of humor, Allen had a way of telling stories-his famous "Allen Stories"-that left lasting impressions on all who knew him. He believed firmly that there was a right way and a wrong way to do everything in life and lived by strong ethical principles that guided him through every endeavor.

Allen will be remembered for his humor, determination, and unwavering love for his family. His memory will live on through the stories shared by those who knew him best.

Memorial service date and time TBD. In lieu of flowers or contributions, please consider donating to CurePSP @psp.org (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (Steel-Richardson-Olszewski Syndrome))