St. Clair County Obits

WILLIAM M. EATON, SR.

Joplin, Missouri News-Leader
Sunday, May 11, 2003
WILLIAM MARTIN EATON, SR.
William Martin Eaton, Sr. went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2003, in Joplin, MO., He was born May 31, 1934 in Iconium, MO., to the late Jesse Sanford Eaton and Ruth Ann (Anglin) Eaton.
On October 7, 1955, he married the love of his life, Katherine J. McLaughlin in Independence, MO., and was married for 48 years. They lived in many places during their marriage --- Independence, Kansas City, Carthage, Springfield and Pittsburg, MO. and finally in Joplin, MO.
He was a member of the International Bakery Union # 218 for over 45 years.
Bill and Kathy owned and operated the Webb City Bakery in Webb City, MO., from 1977 to 1985. He worked for Consumers Bakery in Springfield as manager from 1985 until they closed in 1991.
Due to his health he retired to Pomme de Terre Lake in 1992, moving to Joplin, Missouri in 2002.
Bill's many hobbies included fishing and reading, but most of all he was an avid baseball and boxing fan.
He was a member of the Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers; John Franklin, George Henry, Jessie Alonzo and one sister, Lavonia Louise.
Survivors include his wife, Katherine J. Eaton, and their two sons; David Eugene Eaton of Oak Grove, MO., and William Martin Eaton, II of Joplin; one daughter, Kathy (Cissy) Eaton of Greenwood, MO.; five grandchildren, Teresa Stewart and husband, Mike, David C. Eaton and wife, Charity of Oak Grove, MO., Marc Hill and wife, Carrie of Lee's Summit, MO., Cody and Shelby Eaton of Joplin, MO.; three great-grandchildren, Quentin William Hill, Addie Eaton and one little boy on the way; one sister Myrl Mann of Kansas City, MO.; and one brother, Jack Eaton of Holden, MO.
He was a devoted husband and father. Our daddy was loving and truly a one of a kind man. We could not have asked for a better father. Our love for Daddy will continue to grow and will be forever in our hearts. He will be missed by many special friends and family.
Graveside services will be held on Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Iconium Cemetery in Iconium, MO., with the Rev. Larry Six officiating. Pallbearers will be David E. Eaton, Bill Eaton II, David C. Eaton, and Mike Stewart.
Arrangements are with the Thornhill-Dillon Funeral Home in Joplin, MO.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Iconium Cemetery in care of Jim Murray, 5771 NE Highway U, Osceola, MO., 65776

Submitted by: Katherine Eaton