Jeffrey Eaton

Jeffrey Eaton

July 23, 1953 - September 05, 2023

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Obituary

Jeffrey Keith Eaton, age 70, of Indianapolis, passed away in the comfort of his long-time home on September 5, 2023.

 

Jeff was born on July 23, 1953, to Don and Carolyn Eaton, in Kokomo, Indiana.  During high school, he enjoyed lots of success as a runner for cross country and track.  After graduating from Western High School in 1971, he went on to study Elementary Education at Indiana University.  After graduation, he started his teaching career at North Salem, and then a year later at Wanamaker Elementary School in Franklin Township.  He married Deb Ehlers, and had his only son, Derek Keith Eaton in 1978.  Years later, he married Jane (Long) Nitz, and he fondly cared for her two sons as his own.  After receiving his Masters Degree in Education at Indiana University, he started as an Assistant Principal at Franklin Township Middle School.  He later served as Principal at Acton Elementary, opened Kitley Intermediate School, and retired as Principal from Franklin Township East Middle School in 2013.

 

Jeff was an avid golfer in retirement, and he could often be found playing rounds of golf with his fellow retirees and close friends that he considered family.  When he wasn't playing golf, he was a servant leader and volunteer in many capacities for the Indianapolis community.  The last fifteen years were spent thoroughly enjoying spending time with his family, specifically his grandchildren.  He was a very proud grandfather and loved nothing more than attending his grandkids' sporting events, school presentations, or just hanging out and fun together. 

 

Anyone who knew Jeff knew that he was a loving father and grandfather, and he will be greatly missed.  He is survived by his son, Derek Eaton (wife Amy), step-son Josh Nitz (wife Sarah), step-son Jacob Nitz (wife Cinthya), granddaughter, Rhylee Eaton, grandson, Brody Eaton.  Preceding him in death is his mother, Carolyn (Eaton) Lindauer, and his father Donald Eaton.

 

The viewing will be at Stevens Mortuary (5520 W. 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46224) on Monday, September 11th, from 10:00am to 12:00pm.  The service will follow immediately after at 12:00pm.  A brief cemetery devotion will start at 2:00pm in Frankfort, IN at Greenlawn Cemetery.

 

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to his memorial scholarship fund supporting student athletes and his love for running and cross country.  Online donations can be made here:  https://tinyurl.com/JeffEatonFund

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Jeffrey
SW
Sesley wade
Other •
Pretty sure Jeff was the first non family member to hold our brand new baby, Flora back in August 2008. I knew Jeff through my husband, Jason Wade, who worked with him at Kitley. Jeff was a great educator and mentor for kiddos. He will be missed by many.
MG
Marlene Gilkerson
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Jeff was my principal at Acton Elementary for many years and fondly remember these days as the Camelot years of my teaching career. He expected the best of his staff and students and we lovingly gave him just that.
KP
Karen Pennington
Other •
Jeff was the principal of my very first teaching job! He was an amazing man...kind, understanding, helpful, there to listen or offer help when needed and much, much more! He truly made me love my choice of teaching!! What an amazing man!! He left an amazing legacy as well! RIP, Jeff! You will be missed very much!
KP
Karen Pennington
Other •
Lit a candle in memory of Jeffrey Keith Eaton
KR
Kellie Ruley
Other •
Mr. Eaton was the AP at FTMS when I was a student there. He was a great AP. Many yers later when my own children were at FTMS East where he was Principal, I was on the PTC. I was at the school a lot because of that volunteer position and had a chance to talk with him a lot. He finally told me, “Kellie, I think we’re way past Mr. Eaton, call me Jeff” I told him I just couldn’t do it. He would always be Mr. Eaton to me. But I sure appreciated him and respected him
TS
Teresa Streit
Other •
Jeff was my principal for two years at East MS. He was a great guy and a awesome principal! He trusted his teachers, showed great respect for teachers, and joked around with us as well. I am glad I knew him.

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