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John Eaton Obituary
A gifted athlete, John excelled in baseball, basketball, and football while attending Vallejo High School. He went on to play collegiate football at Sacramento State and baseball at the semi-pro level.
Following graduation, John began teaching at Encina High School in Sacramento, where he also launched his coaching career. He coached football, cross-country, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. After five years, John joined Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks during its inaugural year, serving as Head of the Physical Education Department, a position he held for 37 years.
John retired in 2004 from coaching football after an impressive 41-year career. He also coached the Sacramento Buccaneers semi-pro football team and was the founder and long-time coordinator of Del Campo's Sports-A-Rama. In recognition of his athletic achievements during his playing career, he was inducted into the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame on March 2, 2013.
John and Leah Eaton were married on December 28, 1958, in Vallejo, California, and shared nearly 67 wonderful years together. They raised three children: Lisa, John (wife Kim), and Shai (husband Eric). They were blessed with six beloved grandchildren and ten cherished great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his brother, Jim, and many dear family members and friends.
John will be remembered for his gentle kindness, strong leadership, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched - as a coach, mentor, husband, father, and friend. He taught those around him not only how to play the game, but how to live with honesty, faith, and respect.
Services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Divine Savior Church, 9079 Greenback Lane, Orangevale, CA 95662. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights, CA 95621.
"Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure." - Unknown.
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Memorial Events
for John Eaton
Funeral services provided by:
Calvary Catholic Cemetery & Funeral Center7101 Verner Avenue, Citrus Heights, CA 95621
Memories and Condolences
for John Eaton
Sponsored by Sacbee.com.
Annette W.
November 4, 2025
My sincerest condolences to the family. Mr. Eaton was a wonderful PE teacher to have and I am so happy he was mine! I also remember seeing him at every mass at church at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church! Such a good person, he will be missed! Annette W
Jeanine Dickerson (Scott)
November 3, 2025
I´m really sorry for your loss of my ex teacher Mr Eaton. He was my PE. Classes at Del Campo Hs. He was a wonderful teacher to everyone !! My prayers goes to his families !!! Jeanine Scott (Deaf)
Paul Richardson
November 2, 2025
John Eaton was a treasured football coach at Encina High School way back in the mid 1960s. Those of us who played for him respected his talent for teaching us the game, but also setting a worthy example of how to live. My deep condolences to his family on the passing of this good man. With warm regards, Paul Richardson
Brian Smyth
November 1, 2025
I knew John as one half of the John/Leah team in my church's St Vincent DePaul Home Visitor organization in the 2010's. During those years, Leah and John loyally dedicated a week a month to visiting parishioners who were in need of financial assistance for rent or utility bills. As treasurer for the organization during this period, I was always impressed by the degree of generosity, compassion, and humility they brought to this role. God Bless You John!
Jenni Anderson Perez
November 1, 2025
Mr Eaton was one of my favorite teachers while at Del Campo. I have wonderful memories of him. Prayers of comfort to the family.
Heather Campbell
November 1, 2025
While I never had him as a teacher, I did have the pleasure talking to him several times. I was tickled when Kim married his son, John! She got blessed with a great father in law! Rest in Peace, Mr Eaton!
Heather Campbell, Class of 82
Kathleen Merrill
November 1, 2025
I was lucky enough to have him as a basketball coach in the mid 80s. He was truly a good man. I always looked up to him and felt safe in his presence.
RIP Mr. Eaton
Robert Hauptman
November 1, 2025
John was a great person to be around I went to Del Campo and served time under his guidance along with the other coaches, Thoughts and prayers go to Johns family during these difficult times. May God Bless John. Bob Hauptman
Michael Marsden
October 31, 2025
John Eaton established a legacy of devotion to family and friends.
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