Charles Harry Eaton was born in Cherokee, Oklahoma on November 16, 1916 to James and Mary Eaton. Charles grew up in St. Joseph, Missouri with his four brothers and two sisters all of whom have predeceased him. As a young boy, Charles and a cousin scrounged parts in a local junk yard and built a Model-T from scratch; in this way he discovered his life-long talent with machines, tools, electronic equipment and radios and televisions. In 1937 he married his wife, Elsie and eventually moved to Wichita and worked in the aircraft industry. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country during World War II as part of the Occupation forces in Europe. He worked for Western Auto and Macy's in appliance and television repair, while raising two children, Bonnie and Rodney. In 1971 the family moved to Bel Aire where he served as one of the original incoporators of the city and later served one term as Mayor plus 12 years on the City Council. Also preceeding him in death his wife, Elsie; daughter, Bonnie; and granddaughter, Gretta Grundeman. He is survived by his son, Rodney Charles and numerous nieces and nephews. For most of his adult life, Charles was an expert ham radio operator, performing with Civil Defense and disaster notification service for people all over the country. He had many "ham radio" friends throughout the world. He was a good father, a true friend, and an honorable citizen. Funeral services are scheduled for Friday, April 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Old Mission Mortuary with burial in Old Mission Cemetery. Memorials have been selected to the Bel Aire Senior Citzens, 7651 E. Central Park Ave., Bel Aire, Ks. 67226.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.oldmissionmortuary.com.