Horace Eaton
Horace Eaton, 95, formerly of Vernon, died on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 in Loma Linda, Calif. A wake will be held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, April 17, 2015 at Sullivan Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 18, 2015, at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Vernon, under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home. The Rev. Earley Williams, III will officiate, and the Rev. E.J. Tyson will give the eulogy.
Eaton was born Nov. 14, 1919 in Mount Pleasant, Texas to Clarence and Martha McGill Eaton. He attended school in White Oak, Titus County, Texas. Eaton enlisted in the Army to serve in World War II where he was a military policeman and warrant officer, serving in Central Burma and India. He was among the many black soldiers who built what is known as the famous Lego Road, later renamed Stillwell Road in honor of Army General Joseph W. (Vinegar Joe) Stillwell, commander of the China-Burma-India theater. Eaton was a decorated veteran, receiving numerous medals before his honorable discharge.
After serving in the Army, Eaton married Willie Faye Dabbs in Mount Pleasant. In 1948, they relocated to Vernon. Eaton was employed by the Vernon Oil Mill for many years. In 1960, he was employed by Wright Brand Foods where he remained until retiring after 40 years in 2000. Eaton was a member of New Hope Baptist Church, where he was ordained as a deacon and served as church treasurer. In addition, he was a member of the Brotherhood and sang in the choir for many years. He was a Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Braves fan. He enjoyed being outdoors and gardening. Following the death of his wife in 2001, he moved to Southern California and lived in Riverside with his daughter.
Survivors include his daughter, Nancy Carole Castle of Riverside, Calif.; his son, James Harold Eaton of Los Angeles, Calif.; one brother, James Clarence Eaton; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren, and a number of nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Willie Faye Eaton; his parents, Clarence and Martha Eaton; four brothers, William (Bill) Eaton, Emmanuel Eaton, Lewis (L.W.) Eaton and James Clavis Eaton, and one sister, Vernesia Eaton Richmond.
