“I love you all” were the parting words of Dwayne on Sunday morning, December 4, 2022, when he departed this Earth.
Dwayne was born February 14, 1965, in Richmond, Indiana, to Fannie Mae Jennings and (Rev) Willie Gene Eaton Sr (Odessa Smith Eaton). He graduated RHS, and throughout his life later got a degree in Culinary Arts and was also an ordained minister in the Baptist faith.
Throughout his 57 years he, like many others, had a history of multiple jobs including truck driver, local factories, Dana Corporation. He was owner/operator of Tasty Bones where folks crowded in to get the best ribs ever. Most recently he has been part owner/operator of a real estate venture with his wife and grandson with guidance from Al Diamond. He did things that made him and others at ease and happy.
Serious injuries from a motorcycle accident got him down, but he got right back up and you could see him this summer on his three-wheeler with friends and his wife. Loved to travel, loved to eat, was always respectful of elders and his family was often surrounding him.
Dwayne and Michele were married in December 1989 almost ready for celebrating 33 years. Dwayne was father to Laura (Jason) Potter and La’Tisha (Ashley) Gillard. Then came grandchildren for PopPop: Chandler D.L. Walker, Amiya Mathis, Brylee Owens, Jayla and Macy Potter; Ta’Liyah Brewer. Great grandchildren are Rilah and Lennox.
Surviving are sisters Michelle (James) Fay, Janice Milton, Pauline (Dave) Carter and Kathy (Bobby) Farris. One brother Willie Eaton, Jr. Uncles are Joe (Theresa) Lewis, Howard Eaton, Roosevelt Eaton. There are so many nieces, nephews to list but close cousins are Teresa (TeeTee) Lewis, Rico (Madera) Lewis, Greg Tillman and Marcia Tillman. Godsons are Rico Lewis and Storm Diggums.
In-laws: mother – Caryl Smith; sisters Annette (Ralph Zanello) Shields, Kelli (BubbaTanner) Hunt, and Stephanie (Chad) Carden. Lots of family for him on this side as well.
Dwayne was known by many, each having different names for him: Crazy, Big Dog, OG, so please acknowledge some of his most special friends: Jon Nalls, Bill Webster, Alfredo Diamond, Alfred Bowen, Henry Baker, Sylvester Waddel, Chris Hockersmith, Lester and Lamont Johnson, James Robinson, Kenneth Gipson, Terry Webster, Dave Murphy, Dave Downs, William Woods, John Clayborne, Eddie Jennings, Gary Sellers, Terrance Hogg, Pierre Hogg, Trix, John Brown, Wayne Brown, and Dion Bridgeforth.
He had already lost parents, brothers William Eaton, Woody and K/Lee Moore; Steve and Jon Smith. Son Chandler Eaton. Also, uncle Obie Eaton and an aunt Debbie Eaton. His Rams/Raiders rival father-in-law Robert Smith.
The family wants to thank: RPD, RFD, emergency care staff, 911 operator, Coroner and Community Funeral Home staff for making Sunday morning one that was finally peaceful, calm and settled for all of us who love Dwayne.
Funeral services will be held at Community Family Funeral Home on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 1:00 PM. Family and friends may call at the funeral home two hours prior to the service. Community Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Send online condolences to the family via the guestbook at www.communityfamilyfh.com