Rev. Edward Wilbur Eanes

WILLIAMSBURG - The Rev. Edward W. Eanes, a long time resident of Williamsburg Landing, Williamsburg, VA, and Rector Emeritus, St. Peter's Parish Church, New Kent, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 97 on 1/27/05. Born and raised in Richmond, Va., he received Bachelors degrees from the U. of Richmond and Colgate-Rochester Divinity School and a M.A. in Sociology from the University of Rochester. He was ordained a Southern Baptist minister in 1928 and served several churches in Virginia and New York between 1928 and 1941. He was called to active duty in 1941 and served as a U.S. Army Chaplain until 1960. He was with the 12th Armored Division in Europe during WWII and with the I Corps in the Korean War, culminating his military career as Chief of Chaplains at Ft. Eustis, VA. In 1961 he was ordained a priest in the Episcopal Church, diocese of Virginia and served as Rector, St. Peter's Parish Church, New Kent, VA from 1961 until his retirement in 1972. During that time he was a major force in the restoration of St. Peter's Church. He also served as interim pastor for Hickory Neck Episcopal Church, Toano, VA and Westover Parish Church in Charles City, VA. He was President of the Charles City- New Kent Minister's Association. He also served as Principal of Charles City H.S. (1960-1966) and later served as Chairman of the Charles City County School Board. In the later years of his retirement he wrote three books: A Spiritual Legacy; The Diary of a Retreaded Clergyman; and Generic Christianity. He married Harriet Lura Briggs in 1931; they were married for 58 years until her death in 1989. He is survived by his children: Dr. Edward David Eanes, Annapolis, MD; Judith Harriet Swann, Jackson, WY; Col. John Thomas Eanes, Tampa, FL. Grandchildren: Mark David Eanes, Donna Ruth Feoranzo; Catherine Anne Wikoff, Stephen Cochrane Swann, Bruce Thomas Swann; Kimberly Dawn Babcock; Christopher Michael Eanes, and six great grandchildren. Viewing will be on Sunday, Jan 30, from 3 to 5 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 12893 Jefferson Ave., Newport News, and Services will be held at St. Peter's Parish Church, New Kent, on Monday, Jan 31 at 11 AM.