Larry Eaton

FARMINGTON Larry Joseph Eaton, passed away Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at his residence at the age of 87 years. He was born on March 15, 1929 at Bismarck son of the late Ira E. "Deacon" and Marie E. (Moore) Eaton, Sr. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a sister Nancy Lee Newton and his son-in-law Louis F. Blum, III.

He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, serving two tours in Korea. He was a great advocate for veterans and patriotism and was a former member of the Farmington VFW and Farmington Elks Lodge. He was member of the Farmington Presbyterian Church since the age of 12 and was at one time an active member of the Farmington Chamber of Commerce.

Larry was a well known businessman and pioneer entrepreneur in the Farmington community having owned and operated numerous businesses and ventures in the community. Notably among these were Big Burger Drive-In and Bonanza in Farmington. Larry was known as a savvy businessman but wasn't afraid to take risks when necessary and was recognized by many in the community for beginning the business growth on Karsch Boulevard with his Bonanza restaurant which developed into one of Farmington's major business districts.

The outdoors and nature were a big part of Larry's life and he enjoyed being on the water, fishing, boating, swimming, or on the beach in Florida, but particularly spending time with his family. He was a loving and amazing, son, husband, father, brother and friend and he will always be remembered for his good nature and genuine happiness in life.

He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him, including the love of his life, his wife, Shirley R. (McCarty) Eaton of Farmington, three daughters Nancy Blum of Monticello, Indiana, Cathy (& John) Kendall of Waterloo, Illinois, and Sally (& Laurence) Stiffelman of Ballwin, Missouri; four grandchildren, Carli (& Casey) Lewis of Lafayette, Indiana, Nick Blum of Indianapolis, Indiana, Megan Stiffelman of Washington, D.C., and Mallory Stiffelman of Kansas City, Missouri; a great-granddaughter, Lulu, and a brother Dr. Ira E. (& Sheila) Eaton, Jr. of Des Peres, Missouri. Also surviving are two guardian angels, Marva Skaggs and Dee Jones, his constant caregivers for the past five years.

Friends may call on Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. with the Reverend Paul Bembower officiating. Interment service with full military honors will follow at Hillview Memorial Gardens in Farmington. In lieu of floral tributes the family would prefer memorials to be made to the Farmington Pet Adoption Center. Share your memories and leave condolences online at cozeanfuneralhome.com

Interment Service

Hillview Memorial Gardens

Saturday, February 25, 2017 5229 Westmeyer Road Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Visitation

Cozean Memorial Chapel & Crematory

Saturday, February 25, 2017 10:00 AM - 01:00 PM 217 W. Columbia St. Farmington, MO 63640 Directions Funeral Service Saturday, February 25, 2017 01:00 PM