Eureka Middle School Celebrates Retirement of Beloved Head Custodian Dave Eastman
By Ms. Worner’s Journalism Class
After 18 and a half years of working at Eureka Middle School as the head custodian, Dave Eastman is hanging up his tools. His official retirement date is January 4, 2026.
Many at Eureka Middle School looks up to and loves Mr. Eastman because of what he does every Friday. At morning assembly, he tells a few jokes—often “Dad jokes”—and finishes with a motivational quote. One quote in particular has made him especially beloved:
“I went outside to find a friend but could not find one there. I went outside to be a friend, and friends were everywhere!”
He then explains that you need to put your hands way up in the air!
A Local Life and Career
Mr. Eastman was born and raised in Eureka, IL. His first job was as a carpet layer in Clinton, IL. When a job opened at Eureka Middle School—where his sister worked as the secretary—he took it, beginning a career that would span nearly two decades.
He arrives at school early every morning, typically at 5:15 a.m., saying he gets there early to enjoy a cup of coffee with the “Old Timer,” though his official day begins at 6:00 a.m. and ends at 2:30 p.m.
Many students know Mr. Eastman for his bad jokes and good advice on Fridays, but not everyone knows how or why he started this tradition. He began telling jokes during COVID to cheer students up while they worked on their Chromebooks at home. The practice has continued ever since, becoming a weekly highlight for the entire school.
Career Highlights and Memorable Moments
When asked about the biggest projects he’s been involved with, Mr. Eastman cited building all the bookshelves in the library with the help of a student over three weeks and installing the turf in the multi-purpose room.
His favorite part of the job has been starting the famous “Bad Joke Fridays.”
“During COVID, Mr. Nichols had me come into his office and tell a joke for morning announcements,” he said. “That started the tradition of me doing jokes every Friday.”
When asked about his favorite middle school experience, he said:
“I came in at the same time as Mr. Roth, and we have been together ever since. We were hired at the same time in 2007. I remember the first meeting with Mr. Roth and getting to know him.”
Mr. Eastman also highlighted his personal life as a memorable aspect of his story:
“Meeting my high school sweetheart at EHS was unforgettable. She was a year younger and a cheerleader, and I was on the basketball team. We dated for six years and just celebrated our 45th anniversary.”
Retirement Plans and Hobbies
When asked about retirement, Mr. Eastman said he plans to do whatever he wants.
“I’m looking forward to not waking up to the alarm clock,” he said. He’s excited to shop at Walmart during school hours and to visit his son in Colorado Springs whenever he likes.
He also plans to spend time on hobbies, particularly reviewing his baseball and basketball card collections, as he’s a lifelong sports enthusiast. He hopes to take a road trip, though traveling with his dog isn’t currently possible.
Fun Facts About Mr. Eastman
- Sports card nerd (baseball, basketball)
- Loves jokes
- Favorite sport is basketball
- Could have gone pro in baseball
- Rams, Bucks, and Cardinals fan
- Captain of his high school basketball team in 1977
- Worked 35 years as a floor installer
- Enjoys working outside
- Favorite pie is chocolate
- Loves the color purple
Colleagues and Students Share Memories of Dave Eastman
Colleagues and students shared fond memories of Dave Eastman, highlighting his humor, generosity, and integrity.
Mrs. Johnson said:
“One of my favorite memories with Dave was teaching him how to use his smartphone—he still had a flip phone when I started working here—and how excited he was when I added the McDonald’s app to his phone!”
She added:
“The best thing about Dave is his sense of humor and the way he treats each student as if they’re one of his grandkids.”
Mr. Troutt recalled one of Dave’s classic humorous exchanges:
“‘Hola, Señor Eastman, cómo estás?’ and he would reply, ‘I don’t speak any Spanish.’ But beyond the laughs, he is always willing to help anyone who asks.”
Mr. Wear remembered a daring workplace moment:
“I worked with Mr. Eastman many times on projects, including the scoreboard nameplates. While I was on a ladder, he moved the lift and accidentally knocked it out from under me. I grabbed the pipe for dear life, yelling at him! Instead of just adjusting the lift a little, he lowered it all the way and carefully moved it to get me safely down. When you think of the word integrity, Mr. Eastman is the first person who comes to mind. When he says he’s going to work on something, he makes sure it gets done—if he writes it down, you know it’s done.”
Beckett Knapp, one of Mr. Eastman’s grandsons, shared a simpler but heartfelt memory:
“When he got me a pack of basketball cards. He really likes sports, and it’s clear he cares about his students.”
These stories reflect the many ways Dave Eastman has left a positive mark on everyone at Eureka Middle School, from laughter and friendship to steadfast reliability and support.
A Lasting Legacy
Dave Eastman’s laughter, dedication, and kindness have touched countless students, staff, and families. Beyond his humor and motivational wisdom, he is genuinely warm, approachable, and caring, always taking the time to make everyone feel valued and welcome. His easygoing nature, generosity, and unwavering integrity have made him not just a colleague or custodian, but a trusted friend and role model to all.
His tradition of Friday jokes and motivational wisdom will continue to echo through the halls of Eureka Middle School for years to come, leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who know him. Truly, Dave Eastman is a beloved member of the community, and his presence at Eureka Middle School will be deeply missed.
