LeRoy Eaton passed away on Monday, June 17, 2024, in Salina, Kansas. He was born on October 26, 1940, in Fairbury, Nebraska. He was the second of five children born to Vernon and Wilma (Siebe) Eaton.
LeRoy attended school in Fairbury, Nebraska until 7th grade. He then attended and graduated from Mankato High School. He was a general contractor that did everything from new construction to renovations to small repairs. He did concrete, electrical, plumbing, roofing, and everything in between.
He married Marilyn Grimes in Fairbury, Nebraska on February 8, 1960. They welcomed three children into their union: Diana, Alan, and Michael. They made their home, worked, and raised their family in Mankato, Kansas until moving to Salina, Kansas to be near family in October 2023.
LeRoy was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America in Mankato, Kansas. He enjoyed fine woodworking including cabinetry and building beautiful furniture. He enjoyed yard work and had a reputation for having the nicest yard in town. But his favorite time was spent with his family and his grandchildren were his delight.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Gary Eaton.
He will be missed by his wife, Marilyn Eaton of Salina, KS; children, Diana Boley (John) of Salina, KS, Alan Eaton of Airway Heights, WA, and Michael Eaton (Linda) of Canton, KS; grandchildren, Ross Jeffery (Carrie), Jaci Firner (Evan), Cortney Jeffery, Dustin Boley, Kevin Boley, Cody Eaton (Cindy), Zachary Eaton, Jessica Eaton, and Heather Winkler (Brady); 18 great grandchildren; siblings, Sharon Regnier, Judy Frager (Jim), and Beverly Becker (Duane); and a host of family and friends.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America in Mankato, KS with Pastor Dennis Beckman officiating. A private inurnment will take place at a later time. Memorials are suggested to the Mankato Endowment Association or the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, Mankato, KS and can be sent in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, KS 66956. Online condolences can be made at melbymortuary.com.
