Robert Eaton

Robert Eaton

Des Moines

Robert J. Eaton, of Des Moines, IA died peacefully on Friday, April 3rd, in the loving company of his daughters, Chama and Pylar. He was 78 years old.

Robert was born on August 20, 1936, the only year in the 20th Century with an even numbered square root, in Hamburg, IA. to William Eaton and Maurine Bryan Eaton. He proudly served in the US Navy from 1955 to 1963. To hear him tell it…he had six different careers in his lifetime. He built grain silos, worked at John Deere, performed in the Theater, was a Russian Spy Decoder, a Politician on Capital Hill in DC, and Sales and Corporate Trainer at Aaron's, where he retired from with fond memories and countless friends, after 18 years in 2007. Robert was a world traveler. He was elated to return to Morocco with his dear friends Izzy and Monica (And Mama) 50 years after he served there. He loved traveling with his family, and playing on the beach with his grandkids. He spent many years living in New Orleans, where he loved his Dixieland music, NOLA Jazzfest and drive through daiquiris. He was fortunate enough to spend 8 years living in Florida near his 4 grandkids, while "wintering" between Iowa and Nebraska with his other grandkids. His notorious love for Husker football was known to all. He loved game day with his brother, Bill and nephew Brian, taking even. Robert loved sailing, and sharing it with his girls. The water was always an enjoyable comfort for him, even when he "rocked the boat".

Robert touched many lives throughout his. But the one thing he cherished more than anything, was his time with his kids and grandkids. His interactions, singing and playing will never be forgotten. Always remember to "pay the toll!" Robert truly was a "shirt off your back" kind of guy.

Robert is survived by his children, Chama Zimmerman, of Bellevue, WA, and Pylar Eaton of Des Moines, his sons-in-law, Jim Zimmerman and Jerry Hines, Jr., his grandchildren Teryn Meyer, Quinn, Kylin and Vaunn Zimmerman, Gavyn Eaton, Ashley and Bryce Hines, great-grandson Henry Bennett, brother and sister in law, William B. and Shirley Eaton, Sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Alan Osborne, mother of his girls, Diana Dougherty McCann, mother-in-law Deloris Dougherty, many nieces and nephews, not to mention all the beautiful people who were touched by his love.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

A celebration of his life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at Unity Church in Des Moines at 414-31st Street in Des Moines, with a "Shindig" to follow at Sully's Irish pub at 110 Grand Ave. in West Des Moines, where he loved to hang out and banter with friends, from 12-3.