EASTERN, MARION E. “PeeWee”   Marion Edsel Eastern went to his heavenly home on August 4, 2008. He was born on May 9, 1924 and grew up in Parrish, Alabama the eldest of nine siblings. He graduated from Walker County Training School in Jasper Alabama in 1943 and then entered the United States Army. Marion was always proud of his service to his country during World War II. He served as a Diesel Mechanic in campaigns in New Guinea and South Philippines rising to the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded a number of Decorations and Citations including the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star, Distinguished Unit Badge and World War II Victory Medals. His experience in the service sparked an interest in Engineering and after receiving his Honorable Discharge and returning home, he enrolled at Knoxville College in Tennessee and graduated with a BS in Chemistry and a Minor in Mathematics. Marion moved to Milwaukee in 1951 with his young family and eventually was employed at Allis Chalmers as a coil winder. Although it took awhile, his intelligence and drive were finally acknowledged and he became one of the first African Americans promoted into a management position. He retired from Allis Chalmers with over 30 years of service as a Senior Engineer, a position he loved as he was given the opportunity to travel all over the country. St. Philip’s Lutheran Church played a very important role in Marion’s life. He was a member for over 50 years. He served as an elder and especially enjoyed contributing to church dinners and breakfasts as he loved to cook. He was always happy to volunteer his time as well refereeing basketball games in his younger days and serving on many committees. His memory is kept alive by his many family members and friends.  He is survived by four sisters and a brother – Conradeen Young, Mildred (William) Gunn, Magnolia Lacey, Gladys Eastern and Jack Eastern. He is further survived by his six children, Willie, Llewellyn, Candace, Jeffrey, Cynthia and Darryl (TC) as well as nine grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Horace and Adell (Hooper) Eastern, sisters Freeda Eastern- Gholston and Emmogene Van Buren, brother Bobbie Eastern and son in law Thomas Walz.     Visitation will be held Friday, August 8, at ST. PHILIP’S LUTHERAN CHURCH, 3012 N. Holton, Milwaukee from 8:30 AM until time of service at 9:30 AM.  Burial Ceremony to follow at Southern Wisconsin Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, Union Grove.