Richard Eaton

Richard E Eaton born January18, 1937. On April 13th,2023 Richard left us to go home. He is preceded in death by his parents Ray and Opal Eaton and his son Allen. Dick leaves behind his wife Jane Ann, his son Tracy Ray grandchildren Krystl, Hunter and Parker. He also leaves behind daughter Shawn (Larry) and grandchildren Joseph, Matthew, Leslie, Heather, Patrick and eight great grandchildren. Dick attended Madison School and is a graduate of North High in 1955. He has maintained many of his childhood friends who he held close to his heart. Dick had a passion for farming which his father taught him. He loved it. At 16 he was the harvest foreman for crops grown in Phoenix, Blythe and Rio Grande City in Texas. Dick got his pilot license in 1956. He volunteered with Maricopa County Sheriffs Air Posse from 1959 through 1965. Dick just couldn't fly enough. Dick also flew World War II B25 bombers converted to borate tankers to fight forest fires. Dick was a past president of the Arizona Vegetable Growers Assoc. Dick held board member positions with Best Pima Gin and Best Gin . Dick was one of the originating members that started the Growers Insurance Agency in Maricopa Arizona. Dick was on the board of Maricopa Stanfield Irrigation and Drainage and the Electrical District#3. Dick was given two governors appointments to the Arizona Grain Research and Promotion Council. Dick was a member the Glendale Rotary. Dick farmed in Arizona, California, New Mexico and Texas. He was President of Eaton Fruit Company. Eaton Fruit Company was the largest grower and shipper of honeydews in the United States. Dick grew lettuce in California, Texas and Arizona. Cantaloupes in California, Texas and Arizona. Hay, grain,cotton, onions and cabbage in Arizona. Dick was also owner of Eaton Farming Company which grew cotton, grain and wheat. In 1972 Dick saw an opportunity in the real estate market and sold commercial and farm properties. Dick was also in the cattle business having a feedlot at 51st Avenue and McDowell Road. Dick also was in charge of the 10X Cattle Ranch which was north of Williams and south of the Grand Canyon. Dick was farm manager for Vekol Ranches in Maricopa from 1973 to 1996. After three months of retirement Dick went to work at Duncan Farms doing school tours and managing the u-pick garden. He said that was one of the happiest times of his life. Showing children how food was grown and meeting so many wonderful people. Dick also tried his hand at selling automobiles at Jones Ford. Dick had great passion for the outdoors and life in general. From childhood he loved hunting, fishing and camping. Dick enjoyed the beauty that world offered. Dick enjoyed water skiing, snow skiing, golf and travel. Dick never met a person he didn't consider a friend. His friendships were very valuable to him. We lost a great man. His laughter, wit, honesty, tenacity, passions and unselfishness will be missed. Services May 20, 2023 at All Saints Episcopal Church 6300 N Central Ave, Phoenix AZ 10:30am and reception 12:30pm WigWam Resort 300 Wigwam Blvd, Litchfield Park AZ