B.T. Eaton Jr.

B.T. Eaton Jr., 89, of Moundville, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2014, at the Medicalodge, of Nevada, following a lengthy illness. B.T. was born on Aug. 4, 1924, in Kearney, Mo., to Bernie Thomas Eaton and Mary (McCoy) Eaton. On April 9, 1947, he was married to Fern Roudebush, in Kansas City, Kan., and she survives of the home.

B.T. was raised in Kearney and graduated from the Kearney High School. He joined the United States Army and served during World War II in the European, African and Middle Eastern Theaters, receiving the Purple Heart. Following his time in the service he and Fern resided in Fairbanks, Alaska, from 1947-51, and then came to Moundville, Mo., in 1951. B.T. worked in construction his whole life in addition to raising Black Angus cattle. B.T. was a longtime member of the Bronaugh Christian Church, a 57-year member of the American Legion, the Osage Masonic Lodge No. 303 in Nevada, and a 50-year member of the carpenters union. B.T. and Fern were avid dancers and belonged to the MO-Kan Polka Dance Club for several years.

Survivors in addition to his wife, Fern, include six children, Laurie Brannan and her husband, Rick, of Bronaugh, Elaine Welborn and her husband, Joe, of Stockton, Betty Ellis and her husband, Jim Schmidt, of Lee's Summit, Mo., Francis Daniels and husband, David, of Moundville, Gwen Jones and her husband, Kenny, Nevada, and Gale Dow and her husband, Corky, of Carthage; fifteen grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandson; a sister, Rosemary Evans, of Gladstone, Mo.; a sister-in-law, Alene Eaton, of Pittsburg, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; three grandchildren; two sisters, Betty Stollings and Norma Lou Probst; and two brothers, Keith Eaton and Glenn Eaton.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 16, in the National Cemetery, Fort Scott, Kan. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Tuesday, April 15, at Ferry Funeral Home, in Nevada. Masonic services will be held at 5:30 p.m., prior to visitation at Ferry Funeral Home.

Contributions may be made in B.T.'s memory to Vernon County Cancer Relief or Heartland Hospice in care of Ferry Funeral Home.

View obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com.