Jesse W. Eakin

Jesse W. "Bill" Eakin, 93, of Avella, passed away, on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in Peters Township Post Acute, Canonsburg. He was born on April 7, 1932, in Avella, son of the late Paul S. and Mary Rose Deco Eakin. Mr. Eakin was a 1950 graduate of Avella High School and was a Sergeant in the United States Army, serving during the Korean Conflict. He received several medals during his time in the U.S. Army, including, the Korean Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, National Defense Service, Good Conduct, United Nations Service, ROK War Service and Presidential Unit Citation. He was employed by Weirton Steel for 38 years as a mechanic and heavy equipment operator, and the construction garage foreman for 5½ years, retiring April 1, 1988. Shortly after retirement while vacationing, had partaken riding in Hot-Air Ballons, Gliders, Bi-planes and even Blimps. Bill was a volunteer at the Cross Creek Valley Senior Citizens and delivered Meals on Wheels for over 30 years; he was also a Lifetime member of the Avella Sportsmen Association. He had been a member of the American Legion Bert C. Siders Post 643 of Avella since 1954, where he was an executive officer, judge advocate, bar director and served on the honor guard. Mr. Eakin was also nominated as Legionnaire of the Year twice. He was a member of the Polar Star Mutual Benefit Society, SNPJ Lodge 292 both of Avella and the Slovan VFW. Mr. Eakin was a lifelong resident of Avella. He enjoyed NASCAR, Bridge weekends, Steelers, puzzles, telling jokes, shooting the breezy over a cold one, playing Avella Checkers, and in his youth, he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved travelling, and had been to all 50 states and 12 different countries. Bill lived his life believing in the truth and he would never break an oath. His life was a testament to hard-work, kindness and unwavering love for his family and friends. On November 23, 1955 in Houston, he married Shirley Ann McElhaney, who survives. Bill passed away just days short of their 70th wedding anniversary. Also surviving Mr. Eakin are two sons, Danny (Mary) Eakin of Avella, Dean Eakin of Avella; grandchildren: Jessica Petka of Avella, Amber Simons of Avella, Eric Eakin of Daisytown, Aaron (Jamie) Eakin of New Castle, Elliott Eakin of McKees Rocks and Danielle (Spencer) Morgan of Easley S.C.; great-grandchildren: Phenix Simons, Kiely Eakin, Eli Eakin, Priscilla Morgan, Logan Eakin and Amira Eakin; brother, John (Rosemary) Eakin of Hookstown; sister, Patricia (John) Post of Taylorstown; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death, in addition to his parents, are a son, Dale Eakin; two brothers, Paul and Donald Eakin; a sister, Alberta Ellison; and two sisters-in-law, Jaqueline and Sandy Eakin. Friends and family will be received from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, November 7, in the Jerome A. Stefkovich Funeral Home, Inc., located at 18 Campbell Street, Avella, PA 15312, where services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, with Pastor Gary Gibson officiating. Burial will be in West Point Cemetery, Avella. Full military rites will be accorded graveside. Condolences may be expressed at www.stefkovichfuneralhome.com.