EXETER – Millard W. “Bill” Eaton, 75, peacefully crossed over to his eternal home Oct. 13, 2009, surrounded by his loving family. He was born Aug. 10, 1934, in Exeter, the sixth child of the late Orrin and Alice (Avery) Eaton. To family, friends and co-workers, he was always known as “Bill,” a childhood nickname given to him by his younger brother, Paul, who called him “Billard.” Bill grew up on a dairy farm on the Tibbetts Road, Exeter, where he worked haying, picking rocks, beans and weeds, and hiding in the hayloft. Bill attended schools in both Exeter and Corinna, and in 1955, enlisted in the Air Force where he obtained the rank of staff sergeant. He served as an aircraft mechanic for 10 years and was stationed in Newfoundland, Texas and Dow Air Force Base. On Feb. 25, 1961, Bill married Carlene (Thompson) Jewitt, with whom he was a constant companion and you would never see one without the other. Bill and Carlene lived in several places before they eventually settled down in Bill’s hometown of Exeter, in order to be closer to family. After being discharged from the Air Force, Bill was employed for several years as a millwright for New England Regional Council of Carpenters. He was also self-employed with his brother-in-law, Joe, and together they operated CC Construction. Later in life, he worked as a car salesman for Hartley’s Auto and Pray’s Auto Sales. Bill loved stock car racing and raced for several years at the old Exeter Raceway and at Unity Raceway. Bill also had a great affinity for pony pulling and immensely enjoyed watching his Red Sox baseball. Bill was known to be quite mischievous at times and liked to tease family members when they visited, that he was “broke.” Bill’s sense of humor remained with him until the end and he was a giving person, always willing to offer help to those in need. Bill was a 25-year member of Pacific Lodge, AF & AM of Exeter and a member of Corinna American Legion. Bill will be greatly missed by his loving, devoted and caring wife of 48 years, Carlene; daughter, Wendy Rogers of Stetson; grandsons, Eric Brawn and companion, Tonya, of Dexter, and Daniel and his wife, Nicole, of Corinth; great-grandchildren, Amelia, Lexi, Melisha and Blaine; brothers, Maynard Eaton and his wife, Shirley, of Exeter, and Paul Eaton and his wife, Elizabeth, of Bangor; sister-in-law, Marlin Strout of Mattawamkeag; brother-in-law, Raymond Thompson of Louisiana; special nieces, Patty Trask of Kenduskeag, Paula Bishop of Veazie, Jackie Sinclair of Etna, Roxanne Kimball of Exeter and Tammy Strout of Pittsfield; nephews, Terry Thompson of Mattawamkeag, Donnie Rankin of Corinna, Greg Eaton of Corinth, Mike Strout of Charleston and James Cossar of West Paris; along with many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Bill will also be greatly missed by his feline companion, Tigger. Bill was predeceased by a brother, Karl Eaton; three sisters, Dorothy Chambers Reed, Marilyn Cossar Fitzherbert and Claudine Rankin Richard; nephew, Reginald Chambers; and one great-niece, Colleen King. The family expresses special thanks to New England Home Health, Community Health and Counseling Services Hospice, and to the Veterans’ Administration in Bangor and Togus. A graveside service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Morses Corner Cemetery, Corinna. After the service there will be a gathering at Bill and Carlene’s residence, 1216 Exeter Road, Exeter. Those who wish may make contributions in Bill’s memory to Disabled Veteran’s Administration or a charity of one’s choice. Those who wish to leave a written condolence may do so at www.thompsonfuneralhomes.org.
MILLARD W. ‘BILL’ EATON
