Grover "Zeke" Roland Eaton
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Mr. Grover Roland (Zeke) Eaton (89) passed away surrounded by his loving family at Elliot Hospital on November 12, 2022. He was born November 28, 1932, in North Conway, NH, to William Henry Eaton Sr. and Doris Armine Robinson.
The Eaton Family established a homestead in Raymond, NH, after journeying from the North Country via horse and wagon, earning wages through lumber camps, thus instilling a strong work ethic that followed Zeke and his siblings throughout their lives. He attended Raymond Schools before enlisting in the United States Army in 1950 as a Combat Engineer with the 4th Engineering Battalion Charlie Company, earning an Army of Occupation Medal (Germany) and serving during the Korean War- Where he learned to operate heavy equipment. This passion would follow him all of his days.
Upon his return, he married the love of his life, Barbara Richardson, with whom he shared 53 years of marriage and three children- Jeff, Meri-Lyn, and Tracy. Zeke was well known for his cheeky one-liners and offers of knuckle sandwiches to all, especially the children in his life. He was an avid sports enthusiast and participant- from baseball and bowling in his younger years, boxing in the U.S. Army, which developed into Corn-hole, golf, and horseshoes- where he once won the state championships. He was also a lifelong fan of the New England sports teams and enjoyed watching with friends and family.
Zeke spent the early years of his life working in excavation and building his own operation, and one of his greatest prides was the construction of several local ball fields. Zeke joined IBEW, Local #104, as Journeyman Lineman on December 1, 1981, working alongside some of his brothers, grandsons, family, and friends. On October 1, 1987, he began working on the MBTA Green Line in Boston, retiring on December 1, 1997. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion and was a true patriot. He will be remembered for his soft-spoken nature, never-ending drive to split wood, cut trees, and always had a plan. He was often seen about town and was always happy to pop in and visit his family and friends. Zeke was always known to go out of his way to help others and always made being of service to others one of his greatest priorities.
Zeke is survived by his son Jeff Eaton and wife Kathy of Wells, ME; his daughter Tracy Plante and husband George of Raymond, NH. Grandchildren: Jeffrey Eaton Jr and wife Shelly of Wells; Jessica Lees and husband David of Wells; David Rousseau and wife Holly of Raymond; Brandi Ledoux and husband Todd of Raymond, Keith Rousseau of Raymond, Sara Geno and husband Fredrick of Raymond; and Kevin Shea and fiance April Kelly of Ridgewood PA. He is also survived by his siblings Rebecca Von Cedarfield of Interlachen, FL; Abbie Eaton and Bea Ross of Sebring, FL; Charlie Eaton of Burlington IA; and Malcolm Eaton of Raymond NH. He also leaves behind 13 great-grandchildren; Tyler, Nick, Laurel, Mason, Faith, Kevin, Gabby, Addy, Maddy, Luke, Lexi, Blayke, and Freddy, as well as nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.
Zeke is predeceased by his wife, Barbara Shirley (Richardson) Eaton, his daughter, Meri-Lyn (Eaton) Rousseau, and parents, William Henry Eaton Sr. and Doris Armine Robinson. His siblings George (Sonny) Eaton, William Henry Eaton Jr, Mildred Knapp, James Eaton, Doris Edwards, Morris Robinson, Suzie McDonald, Ramona Fenstermaker, Alice Bemis, Peter Eaton, Larry Eaton, and Frankie Eaton.
SERVICES: Friends and Family may call from 11-1 pm on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at the Brewitt Funeral Home in Raymond The funeral service will follow beginning at 1:00 PM at the funeral home followed by a Military funeral service at New Pine Grove Cemetery. All are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the American Legion Hurd-Welch Post #90 in Raymond following the burial.
In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:NSUJL (National Sisterhood United for Journeyman Lineman), 555 Foster Ave, Freeland PA 18224 www.nsujl.org [email protected] (570) 550-2978 or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St Jude Place- Memphis, Tennessee 38105 (800) 822-6344 www.stjude.org