Retired Circuit Judge Eugene L. "Gene" Eastmoore, 86, a long-time resident of Palatka, Florida, passed away on July 8, 2015. Born on May 22, 1929, in Jacksonville, Florida, he was the youngest and last surviving child of T. H. and Harriet Manning Eastmoore—who had seven children. He moved to Palatka after marrying Jeanine Herrington, his wife of 56 years, where he became a well-known community leader. Following Jeanine's death, he married and is survived by Dorinda Burris Eastmoore, who lovingly cared for him during his last years.
Judge Eastmoore received his B.A. and Law Degrees from the University of Florida. Following graduation, he served for two years in the United States Army, during which he was stationed in Korea. He continued his military service with a long distinguished career in the National Guard, finishing his more than 30-year military career as a "Full Bird" Colonel.
Upon moving to Palatka in 1954, Judge Eastmoore opened his law office as a solo practitioner, eventually serving as City Attorney for Palatka and joining forces with law partner (and now retired Circuit Judge) Art Nichols. They practiced together until Judge Eastmoore was elected as a Circuit Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit and took office in January 1973. He served as a Circuit Judge full-time until 1990—after which he continued to serve in a judicial capacity on a part-time basis for many years.
Among his many distinctions, Judge Eastmoore was Chief Judge of the Seventh Judicial Circuit, Chair of the Conference of Circuit Judges, selected by the Jaycees as "Young Man of the Year" in 1955, awarded the "Good Government Award," served as Kiwanis President and Lt. Governor, a Director of the Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, an Eagle Scout and involved in a leadership position with many other community organizations. He proudly administered the Oath of Admission to The Florida Bar for both son Ted Eastmoore and daughter Kathi Giddings, and swore-in son John Riley Eastmoore as a warrant officer, U.S. Army helicopter pilot.
He was perhaps best known for presiding over the infamous trial of a St. Augustine County Manager who was accused and eventually acquitted of murdering former model Athalia Posell Lindsley. Judge Eastmoore was prominently featured in the book about the murder: "Bloody Sunset in St. Augustine" by Nancy Powell and Jim Mast. Later, he was featured in an episode of City Confidential documenting the events and mystery surrounding the murder. He enjoyed flying, hunting, skeet shooting, reading and woodworking. His friends and family all enjoy a variety of tables, lamps, hope chests and other finely tooled projects he made and gifted over the years.
In addition to wife Dorinda, he is survived by daughter, Kathi Giddings (and husband, TD) of Tallahassee; sons, Ted Eastmoore (and wife, Karen) of Sarasota, FL, and CW4 John Riley Eastmoore (and wife, Amie) of Harker Heights, TX; grandchildren, Lainey Lind (and husband, Trent) of Houston, TX; Alex Gene Giddings of Austin, TX; Ryan Eastmoore LeBlanc (and husband, Allan) of San Francisco, CA; Emily Eastmoore Weitekamp (and husband Todd), and Evan, Marshall, and Matthew Eastmoore of Sarasota, FL; Austin, Caitlin, Ashlyn, and Gavin Eastmoore of Harker Heights, TX; 4 great-grandchildren (and one on-the way); special caretakers "Girl Friday" Shannon and Jason Phiel and the Judge's "adopted granddaughter" Jasmin Phiel; many nieces and nephews; and his faithful yellow lab Bitsy.
In keeping with Judge Eastmoore's wishes, there will be no services. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Road, Palatka, FL 32177 or Haven Hospice of Palatka, 6400 St. Johns Avenue, Palatka, FL 32177.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Judge Eastmoore's book of memories page at www.JohnsonOverturffunerals.com.
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.