Kermit and Betty Eastman’s story began when they were teenagers living across the street from one another. Kermit eventually gathered the courage to invite Betty to a movie, beginning a relationship that survived war, parenthood, illness and eight decades of marriage.

Kermit left high school to serve in the Navy during World War II and survived a kamikaze attack on the USS Mullany in 1945. After returning home, he resumed school, and the couple married in June 1946.

Their life together later included two children and Kermit’s career in education. Betty stayed home to raise their family, which eventually grew to include five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.

Their commitment became especially visible when Betty developed breast cancer at 86. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, with Kermit accompanying her to her medical appointments.

On June 6, 2026, surrounded by family, the Eastmans celebrated their extraordinary 80th wedding anniversary. Their daughter, Vicki Landwehr, reflected on how unusual it is to still have both parents alive, while great-grandson Declan Frantesl credited them with establishing the family-first values carried through later generations.

Now living together in a senior community, Kermit and Betty are both 99 and looking toward another milestone: their 100th birthdays.

After wars, careers, children, changing homes and health struggles, Kermit offered a remarkably uncomplicated explanation for what has kept them together.

They still love each other.