Donald Eastland, Sr.

Donald Eastland, Sr. age 90 of Hillsboro passed away Friday, January 8, 2021. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 15, 2021 at Ridge Park Cemetery in Hillsboro. Facial masks and social distancing are required.

Donald was born on October 18, 1930 to Lilly Lee and Herman Eastland. A lifelong resident of Hillsboro, he graduated Hillsboro High School in 1948. A as young man he was awarded Eagle Scout and spent summers lifeguarding and teaching swimming at the Boy Scout’s Camp Wisdom. He graduated from THE University of Texas in Austin with Bachelor of Arts in 1952 and continued his studies to receive a law degree. While attending UT he was a member of the Friar’s Society and Phi Delta Phi fraternity as well as the editor of the Law Review from 1952 -1953.  After college Donald joined the US Army for two years where he served in the Judge Advocate General Corp at Fort Hood. He returned to Hillsboro after his service to open a law practice. Donald was a member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce serving as Vice President, Rotary International serving as District Governor, and the American Bar Association. In 1962 he married Mary Alice Hammond of Marks, Mississippi and raised 4 children, Susan Nelle, Donald Jr. Sarah Alice, and Daniel. Over the years he received several honors and served on civic and professional committees.

Donald loved his hometown of Hillsboro. His favorite pursuits included books, reading, his family and friends, telling stories, his beloved Longhorns, and the Dallas Cowboys.  He never met a stranger and loved to talk about the history of his hometown, its people, Hill County, and Texas to anyone willing to listen. Donald was part of a civic group instrumental in the reopening of Hill Junior College in 1962. He was a member of First United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and Confirmation classes for youth including his four children. Donald was known to spend hours in old bookstores looking for treasures.  Donald and Mary Alice were avid supporters of the Bond’s Alley Art show held annually in June, hosting the featured artist each year. In his later years he was a substitute teacher for Abbott, Aquilla, and Penelope School districts. New generations were introduced to the history of Hill Co. 

Donald was preceded in death by his son, Donald Eastland Jr.

He is survived by his daughters, Susan Nelle Polansky and husband, Adam of McKinney and Sarah Eastland of Hillsboro; son, Daniel Eastland of Austin; grandchildren, Christopher Eastland and wife, Wendy Blackburn Eastland of Philadelphia, PA and Nelle Polansky of Denton; Mary Alice Eastland his former wife, of Waco, Tx and many nieces and nephews. 

In lieu of flowers Donald’s family request donations be made to the Hillsboro Library.

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