Donald Elmer EAKIN

Donald Elmer (Don) Eakin, of Vinton, departed this life on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, following a year-long battle with lung cancer. Don was born on January 18, 1941, to the late Elmer R. Eakin and Lillian C. Chattin, and was preceded in death by a daughter, Terri Lee Eakin Summers. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife of 30 years, Sandra (Sandi) Eakin; children, Teresa (Garfield) Underwood, Donnie (Janie) Eakin, Kathy Eakin, Steven (Cindy) Eakin, Dee Dee (JJ) Jones, Ashlee Eakin, and Whitney Eakin; sister, Maxine (Billy) Mckee; brother, John (Jean) Eakin; grandchildren, S. Mitchel(Alli) Eakin, Nora Cassie Eakin, Thomas (Felicia) Underwood, Zachary, Kasie and Tristen Cregger; great-grandchildren, Briley Eakin and Grayson Underwood; sisters-in-law, Wanda (Tim) Ward and Teresa (Russ) Sherman; mother-in-law, E. Louise Handy; father-in-law, Kelvin Handy; and several nieces and nephews and cousins. In addition to his family, Don leaves many long-time friends, including Don and Debbie Stanley; his friends from Coach & Four restaurant and Fiji Island restaurant; and his "kitty cats."
Don was a local businessman who formed his own painting and sandblasting business at an early age. He previously owned and operated several restaurants in the valley, including Don's Restaurant and Ashlee's Restaurant & Telephone Lounge. During the 1970s and 1980s, he was an active member of the Williamson Road Area Business Association and served as an officer and president of the Roanoke City Fraternal Order of Police Associate Lodge.
Don was a loving and kind-hearted man who constantly showed his love and devotion to his family and friends through his never-ending acts of generosity and kindness. He was always there to offer help to those in need. Don loved life and enjoyed spending time with his family and pets, playing the lottery, and watching NFL, golf and Nascar sports. He was an avid Washington Redskins fan.
The family would like to express appreciation to Dr. Frank Dunphy and staff at Duke Cancer Center; Drs. John Rogers and Paul Richards at Blue Ridge Cancer Center; and to the wonderful nurses and staff of Good Samaritan Hospice.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Oakey's Vinton Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Don's name to the Roanoke Valley S.P.C.A. or Angels of Assisi.
The family will receive visitors at the funeral home from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, August 25, 2013. A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, August 26, 2013, at Oakeys Vinton Chapel. Entombment at Evergreen Burial Park will be private.