CHATHAM, N.H. — Everett Herbert Eastman, 84, of Chatham, N.H., passed away peacefully at his homestead farm on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 with his son, Jason, by his side.

Herb was born on Aug. 10, 1927 at his homestead farm in Chatham and was the eldest of seven children of Everett and Carrie Eastman. Growing up, he worked on the farm and spent much quality time with his “Uncle Hickory.”

Herb started working for the State of New Hampshire in 1943 until he was drafted by the Army and was a veteran of WWII. He served his country in Okinawa, Japan. Upon his return, he continued his career with the State of New Hampshire until his retirement in December 1984. During his career with the state, he was employed as the road patrolman in Chatham and Crawford Notch. After his retirement, Herb worked for Gordon Brown Logging for seven years. He started in the repair shop and then moved on to groundwork, where he assisted in the construction of two Forest Service roads. He also worked for Indian Acres/Forest Acres as well as other contractors as a carpenter, which he enjoyed very much.

Herb was happily married to his late wife, Kathryn (Jordan) Eastman of Fryeburg for 27 years. During their life together, they enjoyed dancing, camping, traveling and being with friends and family.  After his beloved wife passed away, he continued woodworking, mowing fields, splitting wood, hunting, breaking and fixing the tractors and “tinkering” to stay busy and active.

Herb attended the Fryeburg New Church every Sunday and also participated in his Bible study group each week. He also served as a dedicated selectman for the Town of Chatham from March 1989 until March 2007. On Dec. 10, 2011, Herb was proud to be best man in his son’s wedding.

Through Herb’s life experiences, he offered to all who knew him and to anyone he met, many, many stories and wisdom.  He was well-known for his helping hand, sense of humor and his jokes. Herb led a full life and had an abundance of friends and family.

Herb is predeceased by his wife, Kathryn (Jordan) Eastman. He is also predeceased by his special companions, Ola Mae Dickey Wheaton and Anna Eastman, both of whom he had many good memories with.

He is survived by his son, Jason S. Eastman of Chatham, N.H.; his brothers, Norman Eastman of Soldotna, Ala., Richard Eastman of Chatham, N.H., Frank Eastman of Chatham, N.H., Nelson Eastman of Chatham, N.H. and Charles Eastman  of Silver Lake, N.H.; his sister, Jean Eastman of Chatham, N.H.; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held later in the spring at Chatham Center Cemetery in Center Chatham, N.H.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Fryeburg New Church, 12 Oxford Street, Fryeburg, ME 04037.

Arrangements are made with Wood Funeral Home, Fryeburg. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.org