Mike T. East

Mike went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 6, 2024, surrounded by family. Mike was born in Los Angeles, CA on October 15, 1946 to Mary Keenan McCarley and Arthur Victor East, the eldest of their three children. He attended Morningside High School, Inglewood, CA from 1960-1964 where he enjoyed football,  baseball, golf and surfing off the coast of LA. He enjoyed many family camping trips to the mountains and foothills as well as fishing and hiking with his dad and was an avid skier and snowboarder. He took after his dad's expertise in wood working, making many beautiful pieces through the years. Mike graduated from El Camino Jr. College, Torrance in 1966 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy serving as Radio Operator on the guided missle destroyer, USS Joseph Strauss. During the next 4 years, he saw combat off the coast of Vietnam. Honorably discharged in 1970, he went to work for Continental Airlines at LAX, giving superior service in every ground position available. He retired in 2005 and moved with his wife, Kay, (also a retiree of Continental Airlines & American Express)from their home in El Segundo, CA to Exeter, where they have owned a pet sitting business since 2008. Loved by so many clients and their pets, they gladly served the Exeter, Visalia and Woodlake communities.  Mike and Kay served together at Rocky Hill Community Church in Exeter, where Mike was involved in many aspects of ministry until he went to be with his Lord & Savior.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Art, mother Mary (Molly) East and his daughter, Erin (East) Tyner. He is survived by Kay East, his wife of 23 years, his sisters, Sue (Michael)Journey of Surprise, AZ, Sandy (Bailey)Hagar of Exeter, CA, Mike's two sons, Michael East (Teresa)of Sparks, NV and Mark East (May)of Redmond, OR, five wonderful grandchildren and loving nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, October 19th at 11:00 A.M. at the Rocky Hill Community Church, 237 S. E. St., Exeter. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Mike's memory to the Visalia Rescue Mission or the American Cancer Society. Another favorite option would be Plant A Tree thru A Tree to Remember on this site. 

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