Carl Eaton

Carl E. Eaton

Age 67 of Coal City, passed away Saturday May 14, 2011 at Loyola Medical Center in Maywood.

Born January 21, 1944 in Ottawa, Illinois, Carl was a son of the late Carl and Edna Edgar-Eaton. He was raised and educated in Coal City, and was a graduate of Coal City High School with the Class of 1962. Carl was a veteran of the United States Air Force and proudly served during Vietnam as a medic and pararescue. Prior to his honorable discharge he was stationed in both Australia and Guam. On October 2, 1970, Carl married Vickie Hampton in LaCygne, Kansas, and together they made Coal City their home throughout their married life. Carl retired from Caterpillar Tractor Company after 37 years of service, where he worked as a welder and inspector in the Joliet facility. After retirement, he then found enjoyment working part-time as a grounds keeper at the Morris Country Club. He was involved with the Coal City Fire Protection District and served the community as an EMT for 15 years and a firefighter for 18 years. In his youth Carl was active in the Boy Scouts and was a recipient of the Order of the Arrow. He can be remembered for his love of camping, traveling and going to the movies. Carl was a great Chicago Bears fan and could often be found barbequing or utilizing his smoker. His family was very important and he truly cherished the time spent with his family and grandkids.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years Vickie; two sons: Brian Eaton and Joel (Mandy) Eaton, both of Coal City; four grandchildren: Drake, Danika, Dane and Landon; two brothers and one sister: George (Connie) Eaton of LaCygne, Kansas, Fran Eaton of Wilmington and Marc (Colleen) Elberts of Northbrook; his father-in-law Olen W. Hampton and brothers and sisters-in-law: Kay (Larry) Coffin and Jerry (Kathleen) Hampton, all of LaCygne, Kansas, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family members.

Carl was preceded in death by his parents; step-father Joseph T. Elberts; sister Carlene Joy Eaton in infancy and his mother-in-law Muriel C. Hampton.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday May 18, 2011 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Family and friends will then assemble at the funeral home Thursday morning May 19th at 9:30AM to process to Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood for interment. Full military honors will be accorded, as well as committal services officiated by Dr. Thomas Logsdon from the Coal City United Methodist Church.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Carl's memory to a charity of the donor's choosing.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)