Frederick "Fred" Norman Eaton

Frederick “Fred” Norman Eaton, 82, of Enumclaw, WA, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend passed peacefully on April 11, 2024, after a period of declining health.  He was surrounded by family in his final weeks and moments, who brought him constant support and love.

Born in Enumclaw, WA on September 8, 1941, he was the only son of Clyde and Jonnie (Robinson) Eaton.  He spent his childhood years on the “Eaton Homestead” and throughout his life stayed close to the community in which he was born. He graduated from Enumclaw High School, class of ‘59, and had various jobs in early adulthood, including logging and foreman at Farman’s pickle factory.

Fred served for 7 years in the United States Army Reserve, completing his basic training at Fort Ord, California.  His passion for service would lead him to become a police officer for almost 25 years in the Enumclaw Police Department.  After retirement, he spent 12 years with the US Marshall service.  He also worked at Weeks funeral home in many capacities for 56 years.  Some of his fondest memories were there.  He felt his deepest impact was made on ‘first calls’ comforting grieving families and watching over their loved ones with utmost compassion and respect.

He was a devoted and loving husband to Joyce and later to Mary.  A family man at heart, children were at the center of his life.  He was blessed to have 5 children with Joyce, including 11 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, with 2 more on the way.  As an only child, he was proud of his growing family and often repeated the number of grandchildren he had.  He was making plans right to the end to ride his tractor, work on the property, fly to Arizona, catch another fish, and meet his newest great-grandchildren.

His interests were varied but he especially loved fishing, mowing the fields, picking blackberries and visiting friends.  He was a storyteller and you never tired of hearing the stories and joining in the laughter.  Fred could not go anywhere without knowing someone either directly or indirectly.  These discoveries could add hours to the quickest errand.  He had a vast friend group that he maintained throughout his life. He had a passion for traveling and had proudly been to 40 states, many with his children in tow, mostly by car or truck and camper.  Of all his accomplishments and adventures, nothing he valued more than his family.  He was a man of his word, who treated everyone fairly.  He was a protector and mentor who would seal any difficulty or joy you had with a hug and “love you honey.”

He is predeceased by his wife Joyce Eaton (Mosier) of 50 years, and wife Mary Eaton (Johnson) of 8 years.  He is survived by his sons, Chris Eaton (wife, Becky) of Mill Creek, WA; Jon Eaton (wife, Laura) of Enumclaw, WA; Patrick Eaton (wife, Darcy) of Redwood City, CA; Jeremy Eaton (wife, Amanda) of Olympia, WA; a daughter, Angela Eaton (husband, Kyle Smith) of Renton, WA; his grandchildren, Matthew (wife, Kat), Tyler, Lindsay (husband, Jeff), Adam, Jacob (wife, Autumn), Madison, Ben (wife, Kaylee), Lucy, Cole, Boden and Clark; great-grandchildren, Elliotte, Eastyn, Kellen, and a girl and boy due in June, and July, respectively.  He is also survived by Kristi Terrell and Andy Johnson, children of Mary, whom he dearly loved, including their children and extended family.  He is deeply missed by all who were blessed to know and love him.

A funeral service will be held at Plateau Community Church on April 22, 2024 at 2:00 PM, 920 Roosevelt Ave., Enumclaw, WA.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Fred’s name may be made to Hillside Community Church, 24015 SE 436th Way, Enumclaw, WA.

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