Lloyd J. Eason of Battle Creek, MI passed away after a year-long battle with cancer on October 29, 2012. He was born May 14, 1918 the son of John L. and Maude (Price) Eason in Muskegon, MI. He graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1937. In his youth he enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors. Prior to entering the army, he worked for a lumber company and a wire company. Lloyd entered the U. S. Army in June of 1941. He was assigned to the U. S. Cavalry Horse Division and earned the rank of Private First Class. He served three and a half years on many islands of the South Pacific. While serving he was awarded seven campaign ribbons, the Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Good Conduct Medal. On June 8, 1946 he married Meredythe L. Frost in Marshall, MI. Together they farmed the Frost family farm for the next five years. In 1951 Lloyd and Meredythe moved their young family to Battle Creek where Lloyd worked for Eaton manufacturing. In the mid 1950’s Lloyd went to work for Ed Sampson General Tire Co. as a sales and serviceman. He would later complete 35 years in this career with Gresly’s Inc. Lloyd was a Life Member of Disabled American Veterans and a member of Lakeview Baptist Church. His favorite hobbies included woodworking and gardening. For fifteen years of his retirement he created wooden ornaments for sale at craft shows around Michigan. In the later years of his retirement accompanied by his children he enjoyed travel throughout the U.S. including trips to Hawaii and to Washington, D.C. to see the WWII Memorial. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years in 2006. He was also preceded by his parents, three brothers-in-law, a sister-in-law and a nephew. He is survived by children: William (Brenda) Eason, Marshall; Merry Ellen Eason (Jim Keeler), Portage; Thomas (Anna) Eason, Battle Creek; and Kathy Papke, North Carolina; grandchildren: Jessica (Michael) Butler, Munith; and Gordon (Laura) Eason, Birmingham, AL; a sister, Fanny Smith, Muskegon; several nieces and nephews and many special friends. Cremation has taken place. The family will be present to receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home Tuesday, November 6, 2012 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM and 6:00 – 8:00 PM. A Memorial Service will take place at Lakeview Baptist Church on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 11:00 AM with a Committal Service at Fort Custer National Cemetery to follow. Donations in honor of Lloyd may be made to the Calhoun County Humane Society, the Disabled American Veterans, or Lifespan Good Samaritan Hospice. Envelops will be available at the funeral home.
