KENNETH KYSER EATON

1937 - 2022

Kenneth Kyser Eaton passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, with his adoring wife Mary by his side.

Ken was born in Orlando, Florida on December 13, 1937 to father Washington Lafayette Kilpatrick Eaton and mother Lucyle Kyser Eaton. Ken was raised in Lakeland, Florida where he graduated from Lakeland High School, Class of 1955. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida in 1960 where he was also a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.

Ken was a member of the armed forces, serving time in the Army and Army reserves until his Honorable Discharge in 1964. He was also a Boy Scout. While in Scouts, he completed the Lucien B. Maxwell Trek to Philmont; was a member of Order of Arrow, the National Honor Society of the Boy Scouts of America; and ultimately obtained the highest rank in Scouting, the Eagle Scout, in January 1953.

Two days following his college graduation, Ken began his career in the oil and gas industry having accepted a position with Shell Oil Company in Atlanta, Georgia. He held various positions in retail operations and real estate while at Shell, relocating his family seven times to help expand Shell's operations.

In 1972, Ken left Shell and once again, relocated his family; this time to Houston, Texas where he joined Sigmor Corporation as a Zone Manager for the Eastern Division. In 1973, Sigmor moved Ken and his family to Dallas, Texas. In 1983, Sigmor merged with Diamond Shamrock and moved Ken for a final time to San Antonio, Texas. Ken had a very successful career, spanning over 30 years at Sigmor/Diamond Shamrock/Ultramar Diamond Shamrock/Valero, holding numerous positions including Vice President Retail Operations (Eastern Region) where he was responsible for 750 convenience stores from the Gulf Coast region to Missouri and, for a time, also included Michigan and the Canadian retail units. Ken's past positions for Diamond Shamrock included, Vice President, Real Estate & Development and General Manager, Real Estate. Ken retired as Vice President of Special Projects and Sourcing of Valero Energy Corporation in 2002.

While Ken had many accomplishments throughout his career, some of his major achievements include the Diamond Achievement Award for the Most Outstanding Employee of the Year; the purchase of One International Place in San Antonio at a foreclosure auction on the courthouse steps in 1991 which the company subsequently sold for a $16,000,000 profit. During his career at Diamond Shamrock/Valero, Ken was instrumental in acquiring 1706 stores through 16 acquisitions. He was the leader in the creation of Sol Petroleo retail gas operation in Buenos Aires. He supervised the identity of the Sol brand. Ken was also a key player in the location, purchase, development, and construction of Valero Energy Corporation's current headquarters in San Antonio, Texas.

Ken was an extraordinary man who loved the Lord, his family and his friends greatly. He made his life's work about helping and bringing joy to others.

He had a caring spirit and lived life to the fullest, setting an example for others. Ken was vibrant, energetic and enjoyed running and playing with his grandchildren. Upon retirement, he took up geocaching and was well known under the name "Scooterino". He made special friends in the geocaching community and always looked forward to the next big hunt. Ken was an avid gardener who loved nature and the out of doors. He enjoyed walking and riding his bike. He had a great curiosity and a passion for traveling to fun and exotic places. When he took time to slow down, he loved to read and complete crossword puzzles. He enjoyed singing and listening to the old hymns that were part of his young life growing up in the church. Ken's favorite song was Amazing Grace. He was a member of Fellowship Church of San Antonio, BSA's Friends of Scouting, and the Texas Geocaching Association.

Ken is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Mary Fortney Eaton, of San Antonio; his children, Steve Eaton of Greeley, Colorado; Julie Turzinski and husband Terry of Frisco, Texas; Mike Eaton and wife Susan of Frisco, Texas; Lynn Cable of McKinney, Texas; his former wife and mother of his children, Yvonne Derseweh Eaton of McKinney, Texas; former daughter in law, Sarah Eaton of Richardson, Texas; former son in law, Chad Cable of McKinney, Texas; eight grandchildren; Shannon Eaton, Alex Fulton and her husband Carlos, Jake Turzinski, Sami Eaton, Zac Cable, Cole Cable, Milana Cable and Jonathan Eaton; special family friends, Deborah Bowen and her daughter Holley Ras, Tim and Nanette Laudadio, The Geocaching Community, along with a host of other friends, worldwide.

With special mention of appreciation for the entire Tom Turner Sr. family.

A Memorial Service will be held for Ken on Saturday, April 16, 2022 1:00 PM at Fellowship of San Antonio Worship Center 23755 Canyon Golf Rd San Antonio, Texas 78258

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.neptunesociety.com/location/san-antonio-cremation for the Eaton family.