Clarence Lewis Eastlick, age 80, of Laurel, Montana, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2026, after a short illness.

Clarence was born on April 24, 1946, in Billings, Montana, to Glenn and Betty (Estes) Eastlick. He joined his big sister, Linda, and the family was completed when younger sister Gloria arrived in 1948. He spent the first three years of his life in Park City at what was the family home from his birth until Glenn and Betty moved into a retirement community in the 1990s.

In 1949, at age 3, the family moved to the Leuthold Valley Creek Ranch north of Park City where he spent his formative years. He liked to tell stories of riding his horse to school and using various items from grain shovels to car hoods as sleds during the winter. This is certainly where his love of all things outdoors began. The family moved back to the family home in Park City in 1960 so the three siblings could attend Park City schools where he graduated in 1964.

Clarence served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War from February of 1966 to his honorable discharge in December of 1969. During his service aboard the USS Hamner as an Electrician’s Mate Second Class, he traveled the world and received the National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (for time in Korea), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with One Silver Star and the Combat Action Ribbon commendations for his service.

Clarence married the love of his life, Kayla Joy Lorash in December of 1970. Their first son, Chad was born in 1973, followed by Seth in 1975 and Steele in 1980. They moved into the family home of the last 53 years, shortly before Chad was born in 1973.

Upon his discharge from the Navy, he returned home to work at DeCarlo Conoco for a short time. He began his career as the maintenance specialist at Chemetron in 1971, from which he retired in 2008.

Throughout his adult life, Clarence pursued many interests. He was a voracious reader and amateur photographer. He was an avid outdoorsman, fisherman and hunter. His extensive mechanical knowledge, a trait he inherited from his father, meant there was nothing he couldn’t make or repair. Early adventures included a large addition to the family home and other home improvements. He was never afraid of hard work and loved helping others. His love for his family and friends, immediate and extended alike, knew no bounds.

His love of the outdoors and hunting are shared by Chad and Steele. His interest in hands-on activities like working with metal, wood and all things mechanical were passed on to Seth.

His and Kayla’s love of Chicago Cubs baseball was unmatched. Although he hadn’t participated in organized athletics, his love of sports led to spending countless hours volunteering and following the boys through school football and basketball; and Little League, American Legion, and college baseball.

The greatest gift to his family was to instill his varied interests and staunch loyalty and work ethic in his boys, as these traits reflect the very best of him.

Clarence is survived by his wife of 55 years, Kayla; his three sons Chad (Mindi), Seth (Julie) and Steele (Jori); grandchildren Kinzie (Ethan) Belden, Marley (Easton) Drake , Chance, Finley, Rook, Cael, Loden and Daegan; sisters Linda (Bill) Strauch and Gloria (Joe) Dickerson; and extended family members including brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents Glenn and Betty, his father and mother-in-law, several brothers and sisters-in-law and close friend Terry Fukado.

The family appreciates the care and compassion shown during Clarence’s final days.

A graveside service will be held 9:00 am Friday July 3, 2026 at the Yellowstone National Cemetery, 55 Buffalo Trail, Laurel, MT.

 Memorial contributions may be made in Clarence’s memory to: Montana’s Continental Divide Honor Flight, Rimrock Humane Society or the charity of your choosing.