John N. Eaton

John was born in Dayton Washington, May 11, 1940, to John R. and Florence E. Eaton. He spent his youth and early adult years in the small town of Starbuck Washington, 23 miles from Dayton, where he grew up experiencing life and making childhood memories as a boy could only do in a small town; remarking shortly before his passing that he “couldn’t imagine growing up any other way”.

John graduated from Dayton High School in 1958, where he was involved in Future Farmers of America, the boxing team and where most importantly he fell in love with his future wife and lifetime partner Betty (Tewalt). John and Betty married in Dayton in 1959, a marriage that lasted for his remaining 63 years. John and Betty developed lifetime friendships during those high school years, many of which are as strong today as they were then.

In 1962, John and Betty moved to Olympia Washington where John worked for Hofert’s Christmas Trees for several years before opening and operating a Gulf Oil franchise in Tumwater. When the Gulf station was “taken out” due to the expansion of Interstate-5, He bought a service station in Chehalis, operating that for several years before buying and operating a service station in Tenino. John suffered from the effects of rheumatoid arthritis from an early age and being on his feet all day took a toll, resulting in the selling of the station. In 1987, he went to work for Thurston County, primarily operating heavy equipment and overseeing the road surfacing program in the summer. John retired from the county in 2002.

John loved to hunt and fish, often times back in the old stomping grounds around Starbuck and always with friends and family. He also loved watching sports; most any type of sport whether it be on TV or in person. He supported Tumwater sports, especially football, where he was a season ticket holder for over 50 years. John was involved in Girls Fastpitch for many years, coaching his daughters teams and continuing on with tournament teams after that. John was always in attendance for any of his children’s sporting events, a trend that continued as his grandchildren became involved and where he was often referred to as “Grandpa” not just by his grandkids but by the rest of the team members.

John’s passion for his yard and garden was well known. Even in the rare event you didn’t know him, if you had reason to travel Littlerock Road, you undoubtedly recognized the red and white house with the beautiful yard and large garden.

John lead a full and happy life, surrounded by family and many lifelong friends. He loved being part of his kids and grandkids lives and in recent years enjoyed spending time with his great grandkids.

John was preceded in death by his daughter Michelle Eaton Yandle, brother William N. Eaton, sister Darlene A. Petersen and both parents.

John is survived by his wife, Betty (Tewalt), son Jay and his wife Janine, son-in-law, Sam Yandle, Granddaughter Cassandra DeeAnn Petersen (Philip), great granddaughter Amelia Michelle Petersen, great grandson Liam Reed Petersen, Grandson John Chase Eaton (Jessica), great granddaughter Elsie Jo Eaton, sister Floralyn Eaton and brothers Freborn and Sidney Eaton.

A funeral service for John is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2023 at Mills and Mills Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Tumwater. The service will be preceded by a viewing from 11:00 to 1:00 and will be followed by a graveside service and reception.