John William Eakes

EAKES, John William, died unexpectedly at home on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in Dayton, Ohio, at the age of 61. John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Tracey Eakes (nee Huss), children Zachary (Brittany), Cody (Stephanie), and Alexis Eakes, grandchildren Casey, Jaxson, Emma Eakes, and mother Barbara Eakes, all of Dayton. He is also survived by sister-in-law Valerie (Tony) Van Winkle and nephew Addison Van Winkle of Palm Desert, CA, niece Delaney Van Winkle of Loveland, CO, and brother-in-law Kirk Denlinger of Union, OH. He is preceded in death by father Walter Eakes, and sister Tina Eakes Denlinger. John was born on January 29, 1963, in Englewood, OH, to Walter and Barbara Eakes. He graduated from Northmont High School (class of 1981) and attended Sinclair Community College. He fell in love with Tracey, his childhood sweetheart, and they later married. They started their family while living in Englewood and later moved to Lewisburg where they spent the next 25 years raising their children while John coached the kids in baseball, softball, and basketball. John was employed in the lawn care business for eighteen years, most recently as Service Manager at Lawn Plus headquartered in West Alexandria, OH. He had a strong passion for health and fitness and also enjoyed hiking and outdoor photography. He loved baseball and often attended Cincinnati Reds and Dayton Dragon games. He was a devoted family man spending all of his time with Tracey, their kids and three grandchildren. As per John’s request, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Cincinnati Zoo (cincinnatizoo.org) to support his love of animals. Condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com