John Howard Eaton, Sr.

John Howard Eaton Sr.

June 13, 1945 – July 15, 2025

John Howard Eaton Sr., 80, of Shepherdstown, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2025, at the Hospice of the Panhandle, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born in Washington, DC June 13, 1945, raised in Brandywine, MD, John lived a full life marked by quiet strength, deep devotion to his family, and a lifelong pursuit of excellence. A proud graduate of the University of Maryland, he served as a Contracting Officer for the National Cancer Institute, where he built a respected career marked by precision, professionalism, and purpose. Even after retirement, he continued to support the mission as a part-time contracting consultant for NCI. John was a member of The Club at Cress Creek, where he enjoyed spending time on the golf course and in the community.

He is survived by his children, John Howard Eaton, Jr. and Kimberly Anne Eaton; and his sister, Judith Ann Mori. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Linda Marie Eaton; and by his parents, John Harrison Eaton, Jr. and Margaret Virginia Dearing Eaton.

John was a devoted father whose love for his children was steady, quiet, and unwavering. He led by example, offering his time, his wisdom, and his unshakable support. Whether through a well-timed word of advice or a simple gesture of presence, his care was a constant source of strength and comfort. His role as a father was not just something he fulfilled, it was something he cherished.

A man of many passions, John found joy in golf, benchrest shooting, small engine repair, and hunting. His family’s annual vacations to Ocean City, Maryland, were among his favorite traditions, memories that will continue to bring warmth to those he leaves behind. He was a skilled marksman and competitor, having proudly won both the NBRSA and IBS championships in the same year, an extraordinary accomplishment that exemplified his precision and focus.

John courageously battled Stage IV pancreatic adenocarcinoma, facing each day with dignity, resilience, and grace.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on September 6th from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church at 100 W. Washington Street, Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Friends and family are warmly invited to attend and share memories.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor John’s memory to consider a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause he deeply believed in.

John will be remembered for his integrity, gentle wisdom, quiet humor, and enduring love for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and the example he set.