William Carlyle Eaton, Jr.

William (Bill) Carlyle Eaton, Jr., 79, died unexpectedly on April 1, 2009, at his home in Shawnee, Kansas.

Bill was born February 17, 1930, in Aberdeen, Washington, the only child of William Carlyle and Helen Sells Eaton. He moved to Seattle, Washington, at age 13, graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1948, and attended the University of Washington where he met his future wife, Janet Lee Schimke. They were married September 17, 1955. Bill was a member of the US Army beginning in 1951, serving in the Korean War and receiving an honorable discharge on September 25, 1956. Upon his return, he worked in the accounting department with Richfield Oil and later as a credit manager for various corporations.

Bill was a long-time blood donor and a supporter of both Meals-on-Wheels and the United States Olympic Committee. Bill was an avid collector his entire life. He collected beer cans and sports memorabilia. He was an active letter writer and sought out opportunities to trade with people from across the nation and all over the world. Sports were a lifelong passion for Bill. He participated in his children’s various sports endeavors, attended Royals games and the NAIA basketball tournament regularly, and was always willing to discuss his favorite teams, the University of Washington Huskies and the University of Kansas Jayhawks. Bill also loved international travel — taking many overseas trips. He often met with pen pals during his travels so that he could see the ‘real country’ and not just tourist attractions. Some of his travels were more local: he could often be found at various venues attending free outdoor concerts. Big band jazz was unquestionably his favorite music and it often filled his home.

Bill is survived by his children, Mark William Eaton, wife Penny and son Jackson; Lynne Christine Zeman, husband Michael, and children Rachel, Hannah, Daniel, Joshua and Jacob; and Jill Marie Eaton.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 23, at Atonement Lutheran Church, 9948 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kansas 66212. A reception will follow.