Melvin Ronald Eaton, 78, of Hummelstown PA, passed away peacefully with his wife and daughters by his side on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2020 after a long and courageous battle with Lewy Body Dementia.
Born March 19th, 1942 in Lewistown PA, Ron was the son of the late Melvin Gray Eaton and Mary Ellen (Fultz) Eaton. Ron leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Linda R. (Dietrich) Eaton, his daughter Lauren, wife of Kevin Imes from Palmyra PA and their children Wyatt and Vivian and his daughter Meghan, wife of Aaron Bricker from Hummelstown PA and their children Hadley, Dawson and Emerson. Ron also leaves behind his brother Edsel, husband of Deborah Eaton of Dry Run PA, 11 in-laws and 27 nieces and nephews and their families, all who loved him. He is preceded in death by his sister Dorothy Eaton Book and her husband Harold Book.
Ron was raised in Blairs Mills, Shade Gap, and Dry Run PA. He went to a one-room schoolhouse through 4th grade and then moved to the Fannett-Metal School District where he graduated in 1960. Ron continued his education at Shippensburg University, graduating in 1964 with a Bachelor of Science in Education. He later earned a Master’s in Education from Penn State University. Ron taught science in both the Middle and High School for Mechanicsburg Area School District, retiring after 35 years in 1999.
An avid hunter and fisherman, Ron enjoyed the outdoors. He was a past member of the Coastguard Cabin and Kettle Creek Tamarack Sportsmen’s Association in Cross Fork, Clinton County PA and the Middletown Anglers’ and Hunters’ in Middletown PA. Ron was also a member of Palm Lutheran Church in Palmyra PA.
From childhood, Ron was a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and NASCAR. He is the copyright owner of Peekers, a NASCAR motor sports game he created that was played for many years with students and the best of friends.
Ron, known for his sense of humor, enjoyed long time friendships and making others smile. He was quick to help family and friends. Even in death, the donation of his brain and body for LBD research to Johns Hopkins University speaks to his interest in Science and helping others.
Most of all, Ron loved his wife and daughters. He was proud of his sons-in-law and adored his five grandchildren. His smiles were the biggest when his family was near.
Due to Covid 19, Ron’s life was celebrated by his immediate family on December 30th, 2020. A memorial service will be held in the spring. Interment will be at Hershey Cemetery, Hershey PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the M. Ronald Eaton Scholarship at Fannett-Metal School District in Willow Hill PA.
Payable to: Fannett-Metal School District
Memo Line: M. Ronald Eaton Scholarship
Address: Fannett-Metal School District
Attention: Business Office, PO Box 91, Willow Hill PA 17271.
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