More detail on this person: MYSTIC, CT - LTC Kenneth C. Eaton, United States Army, Retired, 82, died of pneumonia and left this earth on February 13, 2018, to be with his Maker. Recently, he lived at Academy Point in Mystic, CT. Seasonally, he lived between Leesburg, Florida, and North Stonington, CT, for 16 years. A farm boy from Corinna, he was born to Lilla and Crosby Eaton. He graduated from Corinna Union Academy and earned a B.S. in Agronomy from the University of Maine while enrolled in the ROTC program. He was very proud of being a UMAINE alumnus. He shoveled many mounds of manure in order to pay for his four years of college! Ken served three tours of Vietnam as a young commander leading his battalion of even younger men and women. As an officer and a helicopter pilot, he flew rescue missions. One of his soldiers said, "He was the kindest and fairest boss I ever had." Ken was awarded the Bronze Star and the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm in recognition of deeds of valor and heroic conduct while in combat. After the Vietnam War, he became the Aviation Commander at Ft. Eustis in Newport News, Virginia. After retirement from the military, Ken worked in sales and at Avco Lycoming as a logistical engineer. He traveled all over the world, mostly on water, with his caring and loving companion, Carla. They were together for 18 years. She was very devoted and steadfast while never leaving his side especially during his last toughest year and a half of illness. He lost his eyesight and could not walk but he soldiered on for us with a spirit of optimism and faith. He had a soldier's bearing and demeanor his entire life. He had a strong sense of duty, personal courage, service, and was someone you could count on, a protector and a safety net. Ken was a philanthropist rallying for the underdogs and helping many in need. He had a deep connection with nature and animals, and loved getting away for peace and solace as a fisherman. The last photo taken of Ken was simply a picture of his hands and under the photo it reads: These hands have caught many fish, solved many crossword puzzles, flew many planes, and were pressed together in many prayers. He was predeceased by his daughter, Susan Marie Eaton, his loving wife, Patricia (Pelkey) Eaton, and his sister, Maxine Wheeler, all of whom are deeply missed. He leaves behind his companion, Carla Cahoon, and her supportive children and grandchildren including Wendy, Jeff, Brittany, Cody, Nick, and Carleigh; his daughter and son-in-law, and kitties, DeAnna and Peter Hartel, BuBu and Harris; a very special bond with his sister, Loraine, and "brother", Carl Palmer; also nephews and nieces including Reginald Palmer, Rick Palmer, Brenda (Wheeler) Crane, Bonnie Martin, Wendy Gwinn and Jason Wheeler; and lifelong friends, Jane and Mark Biscoe, Leigh Langston, Kelly Rainbolt, and Kevin McNamara. Memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors' Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675. Celebration of Ken's life will be held at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Exeter, ME, and will lead by Pastor Stan Griffin on Saturday, May 5, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. Full military honors will follow at the interment at Morse's Corner Cemetery in Corinna, ME. He will be buried next to his wife, Patty, and his daughter, sweet Susie. Please visit www.mysticfuneralhome.com to leave a note of condolence.
Burial information: Morse's Corner Cemetery, Corinna, ME
This information was last updated 02/26/2018
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Date posted on this site: 10/23/2024
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