Edwin East, Jr.

Edwin Leo East Jr. passed away unexpectedly July 3, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was born in Willard, Mo on October 23, 1924 to Edwin Leo East and Marie Ross East. Growing up in the Willard area, he graduated from Willard High School in 1942. In 1943, he joined the Navy and trained as a fighter pilot. He married Mary Pogge on August 7th, 1946 and they settled in Springfield, Mo. They had two daughters, Linda and Mary Ellen. For 35 years he worked as the Parts Department Manager for Montgomery G M C Trucks and was also in the Navy reserves, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Commander. He retired to Buttermilk Springs on Table Rock Lake in 1962 and pursued his favorite activities of hunting, fishing, gardening, and watching his Purple Martins. Mary and Leo enjoyed many friendships and activities with their Buttermilk Springs community. His large family loved to gather at the house on the lake for family celebrations. After 61 years of laughter and love, Mary passed away in December of 2007. In February 2009, Leo married his high school sweetheart Betty Rumsey Carrasco. For the next 3½ years they divided their time between Missouri and California, where her family lives.

Leo is survived by his wife Betty, two daughters Linda (spouse William Spollen), Mary Ellen (spouse Richard Stephenson), and Betty’s children: Gary, Dale, Julie, David, Mark and Alan Carrasco and their spouses. Very dear to his heart are his combined 20 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Veterans Association of your choice or the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, 5201 S. Southwood Rd, Springfield Missouri 65804.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Herman H Lohmeyer Funeral Home 500 E Walnut, Springfield Missouri 65806.
Memorial visitation will be at 9:00am Monday July 9, 2012 in Our Lady of the Cove Catholic Church, 16 Kimberling Blvd, Kimberling City, Mo, followed by a Memorial Prayer Service at 10:00am with Msgr. Thomas Reidy officiating. Committal service with full military honors will be at 1 p.m. Monday July 9, 2012 in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery.
Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.