Harrel Russell Eaton, 83, of Dale, died at 3:40 p.m. on Sunday, December 22, 1996, at his home. He was a farmer and carpenter.
Mr. Eaton was born on January 27, 1913, in Gallatin County, a son of John Earl and Bertha Emaline (Hubbs) Eaton. On April 15, 1937, in Milwaukee, he married Mae Davis Eaton, who preceded him in death. Mr. Eaton attended McLeansboro High School. He was an antique collector and avid fisherman and hunter. He was also president of the Hamilton County Historical Bottle Club, a past member and president of Dale School Board and was the current caretaker of the Old Hickory Hill Cemetery.
The funeral was at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 24, 1996, at Harre Funeral Home. Rev. John Gilmore officiated. Burial was in Hickory Hill Cemetery in Walpole.
Mr. Eaton is survived by two daughters, Patricia Cross and husband Roger of McLeansboro, Sharon Lasswell and husband Richard of McLeansboro; four grandchildren, Heidi Hart and husband Jerry of McLeansboro, Heath Lasswell and wife Stephanie of McLeansboro, Whitney Cross of McLeansboro, Kelley Grant and husband Douglas of Huntsville, Alabama; one great-grandchild, Nicholas Lasswell of McLeansboro; three sisters, Velma Phelps of Granite City, Aretta Cant of Zephyr Hill, Florida, Helena Foster and husband Horace of Republic, Missouri.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers John E. "Pete" Eaton, and Kelbert Eaton, one infant brother and one infant sister.
Memorials may be made at Harre Funeral Home for the Old Hickory Hill Cemetery Fund.