Obituary: Gerald Everett Eaton

Gerald Everett Eaton (June 21, 1933 – July 10, 2024)

Gerald Everett Eaton (also known as Mr. Stover), age 91, of Tecumseh, Mich., passed away on July 10, 2024, at home under hospice with his family at his side. He was born in Adrian, Mich., on June 21, 1933, to the late Arthur Joseph and Myldred Blanche (Everett) Eaton. On his birthday, June 21, 1952, he married Geraldine Ruth Handy and they were just 20 days short of their 70th wedding anniversary when she passed on June 1, 2022.

Jerry was a member of the United States Air Reserve in Grosse Isle from 1951 to 1953. He worked many jobs, wrenching and fabricating. He made many lifelong friends through his employment of over 20 years in Manchester, Mich., at Double A Products. He was a Maintenance Superintendent there. He didn’t ever really “retire” from work. His passion was rebuilding and restoring old gas engines and tractors. He and his wife traveled all over the country for many years, displaying his masterful work. He recently completed two tractors at once, along with the help of his sons. This passion and his inventive mind kept him going right up until the end.

Mr. Stover was his nickname at the many shows throughout the 1980s as he would load up a trailer full of beautifully restored Stover hit-and-miss gas engines and show off his display. He switched to tractors later in the years, as they became easier to handle with the help of his loving family, who were able to keep Dad at home and as comfortable as possible. 

Jerry is survived by four sons, Joe (Julie) Eaton, Dan (Joanne) Eaton, Mike (June) Eaton, and Roger Eaton also from Tecumseh; a daughter, Lisa (Randy) Klager; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as many friends who were as close as family. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Geraldine, an infant son, a sister, and several sisters- and brothers-in-laws.

Cremation has taken place and a graveside memorial service will be held in the future at Brookside Cemetery in Tecumseh. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Lenawee. Arrangements are under the care of the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.handlerfuneralhomes.com

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.