Joe Eaton's Obituary
Joe Eaton passed away on December 23, 2022, in St. Helens, Oregon. He was 90 years old. Joe was born on September 17th 1932 to Marvin and Grace Eaton and spent his entire life in the St. Helens area where he attended school growing up. He was drafted by the Army at the age of 17 where he trained to be a power line electrician. He was deployed to Greece and Germany where he set up smoke flares on the runways so the planes knew where to land. He was honorably discharged and came back to St. Helens where he went to work in the woods logging for a short time. After logging he went to work for Boise Cascade where his future brother-in-law (John Tatro) introduced him to his wife to be Mary Lou Fritz. They were married 12/14/1956 and were together until her passing in 1991.
Joe loved the outdoors, hunting, camping, riding his four wheelers, and if something needed fixed he was always there to help. Whenever he could he would spend his time in Seneca over in eastern Oregon, where he had a second home and many friends and always referred to it as God’s country.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 35 years Mary Lou and is survived by his companion of 15 plus years Cher Hammond, five children Cindy(Rick) Crandall, Jan(Todd) Loyd, Donna(Steve) Rethati, Joe(Alice) Eaton, and Rayette Eaton. He had 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
A private graveside service was held December 31,2022 at the Yankton cemetery.
What’s your fondest memory of Joe?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joe?
Share a story where Joe's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joe you’ll never forget.
How did Joe make you smile?
