Gary Francis Eaton, 91, passed away with his devoted wife by his side on April 8, 2025 at Lavender Hills Senior Living in Front Royal, Virginia.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 12 at Maddox Funeral Home in Front Royal, Virginia and burial will be at Panorama Memorial Gardens at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15. Pastor Mark Johnson and Pastor James Boyette will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Gary was born on Friday, October 13, 1933 in Parkersburg, West Virginia to Donald Francis Eaton and Anna Marie Watkins Eaton.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 71 years, Naomi Davis Eaton; his daughter, Gayle Schaeffer and husband Ritchie of Front Royal; grandson, Andrew Schaeffer and wife Casey of Middletown, Virginia; and great-grandson, Trenton Schaeffer of Middletown.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Donna Clatterbuck; his stepfather, Charles Cullers; and stepmother, Louise Eaton.
Gary was hard-working early on as a farmhand and driving a school bus at the young age of 15. He graduated from Warren County High School in 1953, where he served as president of the FFA for two years. He married Naomi Davis in October of that year.
Gary was employed at Southern States in Leesburg, Virgina before being drafted into the army. He served from 1956 to 1958 and was stationed at Fort Jackson, South Carolina and then at the 29th Evacuation Hospital at Fort Devons, Massachusetts as a personnel administration specialist. He was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army in July 1958.
Upon his return to Virginia, he enrolled at Roller Business College. After graduation, he became Supervisor of Transportation for Warren County Public Schools. He served in this position from 1960 to 1991. He was also an insurance agent for Nationwide Insurance and a real estate broker.
In 1971 he established Eaton Motor Sales. After retiring from Warren County Public Schools, he worked there six days a week until 2020. He retired from Eaton Motor Sales at 87 years of age. His grandson, Andrew, now runs the business.
Some people work to live but Gary lived to work.
A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children – Proverbs 13:22.
Pallbearers will be Trenton Schaeffer, Willie Reynolds, John Megee, JR King, Tim Fitzgerald and Mike Seekford,
Memorial contributions may be made to Buckton Presbyterian Church, 2315 Strasburg Road, Front Royal, VA 22630.
Our sympathies to Gayle and her family.
We are so sorry for your loss. May the good Lord comfort you and your family at this time. Randall and Claire
I’m so very for your loss.
You’re in my prayers.
Heartfelt sympathies to all. May those precious memories and love help bring comfort.
Naomi & family, prayers of Comfort to all of you. He was a good friend of my dad early in life.
Rest In Paradise Mr. Eaton! You will not be forgotten and you left behind a wonderful legacy!
My mom in law Pearl Cook drove a school bus for Mr. Eaton for many years and bought many cars from him. He always teased my daughter when we went to the school board office or the car lot. He will always have a special place in our hearts. Prayers and hugs to his family.
Gary was a friend when we worked on Criser road for the school system, and you were at Morrison. You and I were so many times taken to be the other person. You had 71 years and we are at 65. Take care and know you are prayed for. Phyllis
Our deepest condolences to you for the passing of Mr. Eaton. God be with you in the days ahead.
Gary was a hard working, God fearing and family oriented man. We need more like him.
He was always so kind and thoughtful and I will miss him. My love and prayers go out to the family.
My Prayers and condolences go out to the family, may Gary rest in peace.
Mr. Eaton was very caring and friendly respectful man to my mother.
Mom look forward dropping off her car payment’s so that she and Mr.Eaton could chat about the good old days. and
don’t forget the awesome antique cars.
Our prayers and condolences goes out
to Mr. Eaton family. Rip my friend
Ms.Warner and daughter