Columbus
Reaugh Eaton, 79, of Columbus, passed from this life at 9 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2016, at his home.
Mr. Eaton the oldest of five children, born May 12, 1937, in Flora, Illinois, to Horald W. and Mary Ellen Reaugh Eaton. He married Joan L. Clupper Dec. 27, 1963.
As a youth, he worked with his dad at Eaton Napa Auto Parts, where he labored over small engine repair and other assemblies. Not surprisingly, he went on to obtain an engineering degree from the University of Illinois. He landed in Columbus, working at Cummins Engine Company, Plant One.
Then one summer day a long-legged, tall beauty lounging in a bikini stole his heart. He married Joan and together they raised two daughters creating a loving and venturous family. He enjoyed a long career at Cummins Engine Company, working in nearly every facility, where he was an integral part of diesel and gas engine research and development with a worldwide reach. Reaugh always had a strong passion for life (and for ice cream) and traveled with his family making wonderful memories with those he loved. Reaugh was a devoted Christian who volunteered joyfully and was proud to serve as an elder at First Christian Church. He will always be treasured for the lives he touched, for the people he counseled and the hope of everlasting life that he shared so freely.
Mr. Eaton is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joan; daughters, Stephanie (Guy) Primiano M.D. of Atlanta, Georgia, and Christine Eaton of Columbus; grandchildren, Morgan, Tristan and Nicholi Burkholder, all of Columbus, and Matthew and Andrew Guy Primiano of Atlanta; sisters, Kay Ellen (Wade) Lieder of Cypress, Texas, and Francine Johnson of Warrenville, Illinois; brother, Neil (Shirley) Eaton of Flora, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.
Mr. Eaton was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Lee Eaton.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Christian Church with Justin White officiating. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Reaugh’s life.
Family and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Barkes, Weaver & Glick Funeral Home on Washington Street and from 10 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the church. Cremation will take place following the funeral service.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Christian Church.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the Eaton family and a video tribute may be viewed at barkesweaverglick.com.
barkesweaverglick.com
