Ronald E. Eaton, Sr.
</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Ronald D. Eaton, Sr., 60, passed away at 2:45 a.m., Saturday, April 19, 2008 at his home in DeSoto, surrounded by his family.
He was born July 31, 1947 in Herrin to Exie and Dorothy (Barnett) Eaton. He married Pamela Jo (Smith) on April 20, 1985 in Dowell. He was preceded in death by both parents.
Survivors include his loving wife of 23 years and best friend for 32 years, Pam Eaton; one son, Ronald D. Eaton, Jr. of Phoenix, Ariz.; two daughters, Alisa Diahan Eaton (Gordon Yearian) of Mena, Ariz, and Christine (Haddad) Chance (Chip) of DeSoto; five grandchildren, Bryar Eaton, Raechel and Stephanie Yearian of Mena, Ariz. and Ethan and Emma Chance of DeSoto; one brother, James Eaton (Shirley) of DuQuoin; three sisters, Dorris Turner, Deloris Heeg (Howard) and Dianna K. Eaton of Las Vegas, Nev.; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and in-laws.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 from 5 to 8
p.m. at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale and a memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 23, at 11 a.m. at DeSoto United Methodist Church, where he was a member.
Ron was a proud Sergeant in the United States Air Force from 1966 to 1972. He served as an MP, a Courier for the United Nations and as a member of the Color Guard who stood post at President Richard Nixon's inauguration.
He was a Maintenance Laborer at Southern Illinois University and a member of A.L.U.N.A. He retired after 22 years of service. There was no job too large for him and he loved any challenge he faced. Many 3 a.m. mornings were spent with his longtime co-worker, Bob Church, making sure the equipment for the groundskeepers was in order. In spare moments, he loved spending time outdoors, whether it was mowing the lawn, riding a 4-wheeler with his grandchildren or taking a walk in the woods (and perhaps hunting a mushroom or two for dinner) with Pam and their dogs.
Ron was a wonderful husband and father. The world is a far lesser place without him but Heaven has been joined by one tough and terrific man. How lucky we were to have him for 60 years.