​On January 9, 2022, David Eugene Eaton went to his heavenly home with his wife, Viola, by his side.  David was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Kenneth & “June” Eaton on July 27, 1937.  Dave graduated from State High School in Kalamazoo.  He was a proud alumni of Marion College now Indiana Weslyan University.

Dave was drafted to the Vietnam Conflict stationed in Virginia doing office work.  After his honorable discharge, he and then wife Karen (nee Wood) came back to Kalamazoo where Dave started his career at General Motors (GM) as well as a family with 2 daughters.  In 1987, Dave married the love of his life, Viola Bonga (nee Shoemaker) & became “instant dad” to 7 more kids.

Dave worked for GM until his retirement in 1992 but couldn’t quit office work.  He worked for CPR Microage, Maynards Water Softening, Nelson’s Landscaping and Heartland Satellite before finally retiring for good.  However, Dave never truly quit office work as he was a certified IRS independent tax preparer until last tax year.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, his eldest daughter Jodie LaVerle Cutler, his grandson Derick Scott Bonga, grandson Jesse Turner, granddaughter Devon Mae Boelema and his brother Ron Eaton.

Dave is survived by his wife of 34 years, Viola; his children: Bill (Karen) Winegar, Janine (Kevin) Tremayne, Patty (Brian) VanderWall, Darin (Kerri) Bonga, Hope (Jeff) Keenan, Charity (Bruce Haveman) Bonga, Daniel (Ronna) Bonga and Mia (Kevin) Boelema; his grandchildren: Bruce, Jessica (Jack), Shane (Faryn), Hillary (Joe), Jarimee’ (Chelsea), Tylor, Seth (Ashley), Arin (Matt), Brittany (Levi), Anna (Cory), Brooklyn, Shelby, Dylan, Evan, Gracie, Caleb, Noah, Andrew, Keilah, Deven; his great-grandchildren: Jaxson, Jayden, Triston, Mason, Ali, Elijah, Kailyn, Alistair, Braelynn, Jesse, Isaiah and Aella; his brother Bob (Sue) Eaton, his sister-in-law Ruthann Judy; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and so many friends too numerous to count.

Please join the family on Thursday, ​January 13, 2022​ from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at Stroo Funeral Home in your favorite Maize & Blue attire or any other Michigan team as Dave loved sports of all kinds and would root for any Michigan team as long as they were not competing against U of M.

Funeral services will be held on Friday January 14, 2022 at 11 am at Woodward Baptist Church, 2160 76^th St. SW, Byron Center, MI 49315, with Pastor Lance Laker, officiating.  Family will greet visitors 1 hour prior to the service.​ Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice, 2100 Raybrook St. SE #300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or Woodward Baptist Church, 2160 76^th St. SW, Bryon Center, MI 49315