LeRoy Eaton

LeRoy Eaton died Monday in Salina, Kansas. He was born on Oct. 26, 1940, in Fairbury, Nebraska. He was the second of five children born to Vernon and Wilma (Siebe) Eaton.

LeRoy attend- ed school in Fairbury, Neb- raska 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, on Feb. 8, 1960. They welcomed three children into their union: Diana, Alan and Michael. They made their home, worked and raised their family in Mankato 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. 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 time with his family and his grandchildren and great-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; children, Diana Boley (John) of Salina, Alan Eaton of Airway Heights, Washington, and Michael Eaton (Linda) of Canton, Kansas; 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.

His funeral will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America in Mankato, 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, Kansas, and can be sent in care of Melby Mortuary, P.O. Box 384, Mankato, Kansas 66956. Online condolences can be made at melbymortuary.com.