Gerald Dearborn Eaton

Eaton, Mr Gerald D. Muskegon, Michigan Gerald "Jerry" D. Eaton age, 86, died Saturday, June 25,2022 surrounded by his family. He was born on November 15, 1935 in Abingdon, Illinois to George and Ruby (Stephens) Eaton. When Jerry was six months old, his parents moved to their house at Pere Marquette Park in Muskegon, Michigan. Jerry attended Bluffton School, Bunker Junior High and Muskegon High School. After graduation from high school in 1953, Jerry was drafted by the Detroit Tigers Organization and played in their farm league system in Florida. However, his path changed when an injured throwing arm cut short his plans. Jerry returned to Muskegon and attended Muskegon Community College. He married the love of his life, Nancy Balcom on July 12, 1957. Upon graduation from MCC, Jerry attended Western Michigan University and received his degree in elementary education. Jerry secured a teaching position at Bunker Junior High School where he taught from 1962 until he retired in 1991. Throughout his teaching career, he was able to parlay his love and affinity for sports through coaching at many levels. Jerry coached the Muskegon High School Big Red varsity baseball team, as well as Little Reds junior varsity football and the Muskegon High golf team. He also served as an assistant coach for the Big Reds varsity football team. At Bunker Junior High, he coached football, basketball, swimming, and volleyball. Jerry's outstanding ability to mentor and lead was acknowledged by his induction into the Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Hall of Fame. Jerry not only returned to his alma maters, he also returned to his boyhood neighborhood when he and Nancy bought a home at Pere Marquette Park in 1966. A storyteller at heart with a wicked sense of humor, he loved to share great memories of youthful escapades on the big lake and in the dunes as well as the get-togethers at his pool with friends from the Lakeside Veterans Club and Viking Lodge. Jerry was preceded in death by his father George Eaton in 1966, mother Ruby Eaton in 1997, and his son Gerald Jr. "Skeeter" in 1984. He is survived by his wife Nancy (Balcom), daughters Kelle (Bob) Hunter; Kim (Bob) Novak; Kristi (Hughie) Pennachio, and son Kevin Eaton. Jerry leaves 7 grandchildren Nikole (Mike), Jessika (Brandon), Christopher, Tahnee (Joe), Jaret (Jessica), Tyler (Tiffany), Trent (Stacey) and great-grandchildren Julian, Alexa, Gianna, Kaysen, Mikey, Charlotte, Dylan, Landen, and one "soon to be" along with special cousins Marty, Larry, Mike, and Pat Stegall. A special thank you to North Ottawa Hospice workers Jennifer, Lucinda, Sandy, Susan, and Nathaniel for helping Jerry remain in the home he loved for the past 16 months. Please join us for a celebration of life honoring Jerry on Saturday, July 2, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Viking Lodge 3132 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon Mi 49441. A luncheon and a "toddy" or two will be provided. Memorials may be made to North Ottawa Hospice, Viking Burn Camp, or the charity of your choice. Service Vikings Linne Lodge #57 3132 Lakeshore Drive Norton Shores, MI 49441 12:00 PM