Clifford Eaton Obituary
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He is survived by his wife, Mary, of 53 years; his children, son Cliff(Bonnie) of New Zealand, daughter Peggy (Mark) Seymour of Hawaii, and daughter-in-law Barbara Van Eaton of Michigan; grandchildren Kaitlin of Utah, Alexis of California; sisters Mary Flowers of Virginia and Pat Scott of Virginia; and many nieces and nephews.
Cliff arrived on April 4, 1928, in Detroit, MI. He was first of 5 children born to Florence and Clyde Van Eaton. He graduated from Marlette High School in 1946. His mother had to accept his high school diploma as he'd joined the Navy during the last year of World War II at 17 years old.
Cliff retired from Michigan Bell Telephone Company in February 1991, starting out as a switchman and retiring as a division manager. When he got the entry level job as a frame man, they asked him, "When would you like to start?" He replied "tomorrow". He had borrowed a $1 bus fare from his mother for the interview and was eager to pay her back.
Cliff deeply valued learning and completed both his BA from Wayne State University and his MBA from Michigan State University while working full time and raising a young family. He liked to challenge himself and built a computer from scratch just to see if he could do it. He did.
Cliff was an avid fisherman. His nephew reflected, "Uncle Cliff gave us so many great memories of fishing trips we'll never forget. He was a very kind and giving man. He set a great example for usl all."
A lifelong Lutheran, Clifford sang in choirs from 3rd grade to his early 80s. He also served on various committees.
Cliff was preceded in death by his parents; his son Dr. Jim Van Eaton; grandson Adam Van Eaton; sisters Marilyn Witting and Betty Schnelz.
A Celebration of Cliff's Life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. at Resurrection Lutheran Church, 11575 N. 1st Ave, Oro Valley, AZ 85737. The family will receive friends following the service.
For those who can't attend the service at Resurrection Lutheran Church, you can watch a live broadcast of the service via the church's website at orovalley.org
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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2285 E Rancho Vistoso Boulevard, Oro Valley, AZ 85755
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