Edward C. Eaton, 93, of Sun City Center, FL, passed away on August 10, 2017. He was born in St. Louis, MO in 1924. Edward lost his mom at the age of 6. He was born Cecil Edward Eaton, Ed changed his name upon his Lutheran confirmation at age 8. Due to circumstances beyond his control, Edward left home at the age of 16. He moved to Florida in 1986.
Ed attempted to join the Navy that very day, the recruiter took one look at him and told him “go home kid, you’re too young”. Ed walked across the street to the Army recruitment office, the recruiter there told him “go sit over there kid, I’ll be right with you”. So began Ed’s career in the old horse cavalry in 1940. He was 16 years old!
Ed was so very proud of his service in the Army during WWII. He had started in the horse cavalry, then on to the engineering corps and for the gain of $7.00/per month, he requested entrance to the Paratroopers School. The US Army granted his request and so Ed became one of the elite 101st Airborne Paratroopers. This elite modular specialized light infantry division was highly trained for air assault operations and they terrorized the German army everywhere they landed. Ed fought in four major assault campaigns that turned the course of the war for the allies. The warriors of the 101st pushed the enemy and did not let up, their heroic efforts and steadfast courage helped win the war that had gripped the very throat of Europe and the Pacific!
Ed returned to St. Louis after the war and immediately returned to school. He had to quit school at the time left home and joined the Army, so now he could finish. He got his High School degree and began attending technical college to obtain his tool and die maker certification. He ended with an Associate Degree in Engineering Technologies which eventually led him to McDonnell Douglas. He then spent his career working on Military aircraft technologies.
It was during this time that Ed met the girl he would spend his life with, Jewel Christine (Glover) Wasylenko…his “child bride”. Jewel was actually 18 months older than Ed; but, he still referred to her as his child bride all their married lives. He loved her more than life itself and never treated her with anything but love and respect. The two of them loved to travel and did so frequently. Once they bought an RV and spent months on the road just traveling across the USA, I think they probably had the time of their lives on that trip. They just went where ever they wanted, whenever they wanted and had fun! They also had the gift of traveling thru Europe together, thru Japan while Ed was on business, South Korea and Ireland. They spent an entire year living in Ireland while awaiting the completion of their new home in Sun City Center where they retired in 1985.
Jewel had 2 children from a previous marriage, Nick and Barbara. Ed looked at them, as his own and always treated them like his children. They both loved him and looked at him the same.
Edward was a member of both the local VFW and the American Legion of Sun City Center. He was very active in his community association. He also actively supported the Screaming Eagle Alumni Association (101st Airborne), March of Dimes, St. Judes, VFW, Wounded Warriors, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Fund for the protection of Social Security, United Nations, World Wildlife Foundation and Feed the Children.
He will be interred in his native St. Louis, MO.
Our dear, dear friend, Eddie,
It has been such an honor to have been your friend all these years. We will miss coming out of our house to see you sitting on our porch with all your framed pictures and memorabilia from the war. The wonderful stories you told us, not taking credit for what you did. You are indeed a hero to our country and us. We are going to miss you walking into our house for a “home cooked” dinner. You are such an amazing, interesting guest. Everyone in our neighborhood wanted to meet you and they did. My daughter fell in love with you. We know you are with Jewel and our Lord and He will care for you now. We love you, Ed, very much.
We are so sorry to hear of Ed’s passing. We purchased Ed and Jewel Eaton’s home from them in Kings Point, Sun City Center just prior to their return to St Louis when Jewel became ill. Ed will be sadly missed.
John (Jack) & Jackie Heckle
Uncle Ed you were always such a wonderful example of what a real man should be. Always kind and generous, loving and fun to be around. I just wish my boys had more time to hear about your adventures and to know the amazing man that you always were to me. Until we meet again Uncle Ed <3 Tell Aunt Jewel we said hello and we love you!!!
Love Mandy, Jimmy, Jeremy & Johnny
Janet….this is some of my memories of Uncle Ed for you to pass on to the veterans website. Please let me know if this is what you were looking for.
Ed Eaton was one of the most caring, loving, compassionate people I have ever known. When I had my second child, 38 years ago, he and my Aunt Jewel kept my 4 year old son while I was in the hospital. They took him to the zoo, out to dinner, and generally entertained him and made him feel comfortable while he was away from his parents. This really meant alot to me! When my aunt passed away he brought a box of her jewelry over and let everyone have “a little something to remember her by”. Every time I wear the cross I chose, I remember her and her loving spirit.
He was my dad’s best friend and was as sad when he died as we were. He was like a second father to me and my sister and brothers. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for us. We all loved him dearly and will miss him forever! Rest in peace Uncle Ed and I look forward to seeing you again in heaven.
Dear Janet and Family: I was so sad to learn of Mr. Ed’s passing but also happy he will be with his precious wife, Jewel. It was an honor to know Mr. Ed and the employee’s of Bob Evans, SCC, FL looked forward to seeing him several times a day. When he didn’t come in, we went looking for him. He was adopted by the staff there and everyone held him in high regard. Reading his life story confirms the amazing man he was. We would not have known this part of his life because he was a very humble for someone so decorated. He was a Purple Heart recipient and it always amazed me when the children would approach him and thank him for his service. Many times patrons would pay for his meal without him knowing. I’m honored to have met him and prayer for his eternal peace.
I have always considered Ed as my big brother. Although we didn’t have a chance to spend a lot of time together be-
cause after our father died he stayed in St Louis, but my brother and I returned to Tucson, AZ with our mother.
Actually Ed, was our half-brother. But to me he will always be my big brother- I love you, Ed.