Thomas Michael Eaton

Thomas Michael Eaton, son of the late William Eaton and Melba O'Connor was born April 23rd, 1947 in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the youngest of three children: Bill Eaton and Sally Johnson. He graduated from high school in Escondido, CA and was drafted into the Army to serve in the Vietnam War when he was 21. When he returned, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management from Cal State Long Beach. Post college he was a business man and entrepreneur where he ran businesses in the real estate and retail industries. In his 40s he found his true passion for teaching and earned a Master of Arts Degree in Education. He taught middle school math and science for 20 years at David A. Brown Middle School, where his daughter teaches today, and Lakeland Village Middle School in Lake Elsinore, CA. He was an amazing educator, making an impact on countless students and was always highly respected by his peers and administrators. Tom married Kathleen Eaton on September 19, 1981, and had a lovely 36-year marriage and two wonderful children: Craig Eaton and Dana Dunfee. Tom and Kathy were 30-year residents of Temecula, CA. He always lived life to the fullest; he was a loving husband, devoted father, incredible "Pop Pop," coach, world traveler, hiker, runner, and always "life of the party." Tom passed away peacefully on December 15 after a 4-month battle with Lymphoma. He is survived by his wife and best friend Kathy Eaton; son Craig Eaton; daughter Dana Dunfee; daughter-in-law Ramie Eaton; son-in-law Andy Dunfee; granddaughters Brook Eaton, Peyton and Lacey Dunfee; grandson Derek Eaton; brother Bill Eaton; sister Sally Johnson; and step-sisters Linda Law, Kathy Kingston, Karen Kingston Conant, and Angie Crews. Tom will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.