Alfred Franklin Eaton, Jr.

Alfred Franklin “Al” Eaton, Jr. passed away in Summerlin, Nevada on February 26, 2023. Al was born on January 14, 1948 in Yazoo City, Mississippi to Frank and Lucy Eaton. He was raised in an Air Force family and developed a love of aviation from his father who was pilot. Al attended Mississippi State University, graduating with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in 1970.

Following graduation, Al was commissioned in the Air Force, attended pilot training and became a C-141 pilot. Al returned to graduate school at the University of Tennessee Space Institute where he earned a Master’s degree in Airport Systems Management. After graduating Al moved to Bakersfield, California where he served as deputy manager of the Kern County airport systems for several years. Al found his true calling when he became a financial advisor for E.F. Hutton in 1981. Being a financial advisor satisfied both his intellectual side as well as his love of conversation. He remained in the same office in Bakersfield until his retirement, although the names of his employer changed several times over the years. He retired in 2014 as Senior Vice President of Morgan Stanley, and moved to Las Vegas.

Al loved nothing more than watching his beloved Mississippi State Bulldogs in person or on TV. He made an annual trek to Starkville for a football game, often coordinating visits to campus with old friends. He was a proud alumni donor to the University’s Engineering Department, which he credits as one of the primary keys to his success. Al also enjoyed playing golf, especially with his brothers-in-law and other friends. After being widowed in 2017, Al was so happy to find a new love in 2019 when he met his wife Pat. They loved and supported each other through the pandemic and married last Fall. Al and Pat enjoyed many great times together, including a honeymoon trip to Greece, Italy, Spain and Portugal.

Al is preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and Frank Eaton, and wife Susan Van Schack Eaton, his paternal grandmother Emilie Sharbrough Brown, and maternal grandparents John and Emma Hobbs.

Al is survived by his wife, Patricia Lavender Eaton; his sister and brother-in-law, Ann and Jack Ballard, and their children Katherine and Matthew. Al is also survived by Susan’s many siblings, their children and grandchildren, who considered Al their brother, uncle and grandpa. Al was always grateful for their love and support.

A visitation for Al will be held Monday, March 27, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Palm Boulder Highway Mortuary, 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. A funeral service will occur Monday, March 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM 800 South Boulder Highway, Henderson, NV 89015. A committal service will occur Monday, March 27, 2023 at 1:20 PM at Southern Nevada Veteran's Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veteran's Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005. In lieu of customary remembrances, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions be directed to MD Anderson Hospital; gifts.mdanderson.org or to garysinisefoundation.org/donate.