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James Edward Eaton, 86, of Calera, Oklahoma, went to his forever home on February 21, 2025, in Denison, Texas. James was born in Keota, Oklahoma, on April 4, 1938, to John William (Willie) and Pearly Gertrude (Dunkin) Eaton. James attended school in Keota, Oklahoma, before enlisting in the United States Army at the age of sixteen. Upon discharge from his Army service in Korea, he joined his family in Stanfield, Arizona. There he met and married LaWanda Selby, in 1959. Their union was blessed with two children, Dylan (Kristina) Eaton of Calera, Oklahoma, and Shonna (Robert) Self of Cobb, Oklahoma.
James found great joy in being Papa James to his grandchildren, Deziree Lindsay of Dallas, Texas, Jordan (Erika) Eaton of Trenton, Texas, Akasha (Braxton) Hines of Randolph, Texas, Leah Eaton of Trenton, Texas, Summer Short of Lantana, Texas, Desiree Tull of Hackett, Arkansas, Dustin Childers of Calera, Oklahoma, Josh Childers of Durant, Oklahoma, and Tyler Childers of Durant, Oklahoma. As a young man, James became superintendent of the Chickasha Cotton Oil Mill in Casa Grande, Arizona. He worked there for 15 years and supervised the building of the first solvent extraction facility in the United States. In 1987, he started Eaton Tire and Backhoe and installed one of the first aerobic septic systems in the state. James' commitment to public service included serving as mayor of Calera, Oklahoma, for 25 years.
In November 2000, James married Linda Short in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. They enjoyed traveling, camping, four wheeling, and spending time with family and friends. After closing up shop at Eaton Tire and Backhoe, James built a thriving rental property business. This opened his eyes to the challenges facing many in his community. It was not uncommon for James to pay a water bill, provide a coat, or a warm meal for someone in need. Each evening, James and his loyal canine companion, Bear, took a drive to check the rental properties.
In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, James is survived by his wife's sons David Short (Rhonda) of Calera, Oklahoma, and Devlin Short (Elaine) of Calera, Oklahoma, his sister, Jean Hancher of Denison, Texas, brother, Joe Eaton (Mariam) of Calera, Oklahoma, and sister LaValle Valles (Simon) of Calera, Oklahoma, daughter-in-law, Marjory Eaton of Randolph, Texas, and other extended family members. James is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Gertrude Eaton, sisters, Lora Ann Eaton, and Ella Faye Pettigrew.
A family night for James will be held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM at Brown's Durant Funeral Service. Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Brown's Durant Funeral Service Chapel with Don Hyde and Jacob Toews officiating. Interment with Military Honors will follow the service at Rosehill Cemetery in Calera, Oklahoma. Serving as pallbearers are James' nephews, James R.W. Eaton of Calera, Oklahoma, Scott Hampton of Colbert, Oklahoma, Tim Hampton of Colbert, Oklahoma, Heath Justus of Aransas Pass, Texas, Darrell Valles of Bokchito, Oklahoma, and Mike Valles of Calera, Oklahoma. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Butch Scalf, T.J.White, and Glenn Whiteley.
In lieu of flowers, those who so desire may make donations in memory of James to the James E. Eaton Scholarship Fund at First United Bank of Calera, Oklahoma, phone number 580-434-5000. All donations will be matched by the trust.
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