David Eugene Eaton died Sunday, Jan. 9. He was 84.
David was born in Kalamazoo to Kenneth and “June” Eaton on July 27, 1937, and graduated from State High School in Kalamazoo. He was a graduate of Marion College, now Indiana Wesleyan University.
Dave was drafted to the Vietnam Conflict, stationed in Virginia doing office work. After his honorable discharge, he and then wife Karen (nee Wood) returned to Kalamazoo, where Dave started his career at General Motors (GM) as well as a family with 2 daughters. In 1987, Dave married Wayland High School Viola Shoemaker Bonga and became “instant dad” to seven more kids.
Dave worked for GM until his retirement in 1992 and then worked for CPR Microage, Maynard’s Water Softening, Nelson’s Landscaping and Heartland Satellite before finally retiring. However, Dave continued to work a certified IRS independent tax preparer until last tax year.
Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest daughter Jodie LaVerle Cutler, his grandson Derick Scott Bonga, granddaughter Devon Mae Boelema and his brother Ron Eaton.
Dave is survived by his wife of 34 years, Viola; his children: Bill (Karen) Winegar, Janine (Kevin) Tremayne, Patty (Brian) VanderWall, Darin (Kerri) Bonga, Hope (Jeff) Keenan, Charity (Bruce Haveman) Bonga, Daniel (Ronna) Bonga and Mia (Kevin) Boelema; his grandchildren: Bruce, Jessica (Jack), Shane (Faryn), Hillary (Joe), Jarimee’ (Chelsea), Tylor, Seth (Ashley), Arin (Matt), Brittany (Levi), Anna (Cory), Brooklyn, Shelby, Dylan, Evan, Gracie, Caleb, Noah, Andrew, Keilah, Deven; his great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Jayden, Triston, Mason, Ali, Elijah, Kailyn, Alistair, Braelynn, Jesse, Isaiah and Aella; his brother Bob (Sue) Eaton, his sister-in-law Ruthann Judy; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Visitation with family will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, at Stroo Funeral Home in your with favorite Maize & Blue attire or any other Michigan team as Dave loved sports of all kinds and would root for any Michigan team as long as they were not competing against U of M.
Services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday Jan. 14, at Woodward Baptist Church, 2160 76th St. SW, Byron Center, with Pastor Lance Laker, officiating. Family will greet visitors an hour prior to the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St. SE #300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or Woodward Baptist Church, 2160 76th St. SW, Bryon Center, MI 49315.