Jack Everett Eaker

Jack Everett Eaker
Jack Everett Eaker, 71, of Erie, PA, one of God's treasured souls, was called to Heaven on April 13, 2025, after a brief illness. Jack was a native of Dallas, Texas, born on December 4, 1953. He graduated from Richardson J.J. Pearce High School, Richardson, TX and from Baylor University, Waco, TX with majors in Russian History and Literature. He aspired towards a path in the legal profession, but the culinary muses had other ideas.
He was preceded in death by his father, Jack Louis Eaker; mother, Constance Holt Eaker; brother, Joseph Connor Eaker; as well as his father and mother in-law Anthony and Alexandra Potous.
Jack is survived by the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 30 years, Stephanie Potous-Eaker whom he met while working in Dallas, Texas; brother Jay Allen Eaker and wife Diana of Dallas, TX; and brother John Eric Eaker and wife Lisa of Orlando, FL; nieces Jillian Amanda Brogdon (Joshua), Emma Caroline Eaker, and Olivia Constance Eaker; grand-nephew Jackson Alvin Brogdon; grand-niece Jensen Alexandria Brogdon; and Aunt Sarah and Uncle Harold Peek, in addition to a large loving extended family.
Jack's passion for the culinary arts began during his years working at the Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, Texas. His passion for cooking and dedication to elevating service standards were deeply rooted in his Southern upbringing. These hallmarks of his career took him from Dallas to Kansas City where he opened several restaurants for Hallmark's Culinary Concepts. He then joined efforts with a group to open one of Kansas City's legendary Jazz Dinner Spots, Club 427. Following his father in law's passing, Jack and Stephanie relocated to Erie to create a new life as they assisted his mother in law, Alex.
With the support and generosity of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Jack and Stephanie launched Make It Fabulous Catering in the church kitchen 25 years ago. They went on to open 10th Street Café & Market on 10th and Weschler and then The Summer House Cafe on 26th and Washington until closing in 2018 to focus solely on their event and catering business. Jack could often be found in the kitchen of their shop at 6th and Cranberry discussing politics, handing out life lessons and coaching those who worked alongside him. Jack was not afraid to shine a light on hypocrisy and injustice and always enjoyed a spirited political discussion.
Jack truly embodied service and servant leadership. He provided unwavering service to various causes, including his beloved church family of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Erie, the March of Dimes, the Erie Philharmonic, and the many individuals who found their way to his kitchen seeking a second chance in life. Jack served his community more than delicious food. He brought humility, dedication, excellence, and grace to every task.
Friends may call Monday, May 5, 2025, from 3-7pm at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. 4216 Sterrettania Rd, Erie, PA 16506.
Tuesday, May 6, 2025, Funeral Services will be held at the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Erie, PA, beginning at 11am. Burial will be at the Erie Cemetery followed by a luncheon provided by his loving team members.
Jack held firm to two tenants of life we will remember each time we think of him: Cook with Love; and In Life, all is Simplicity.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Kitchen Fund of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church 4376 West Lake Road Erie PA 16505 or in honor of the many cats Jack rescued as a cat whisperer over the years to Erie Humane Society 2407 Zimmerly Road Erie, PA 16506
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