William “Bill” John Eason

William “Bill” John Eason of Marshall, Michigan passed away on February 1st in Lexington, NC after a brief illness. Bill was born on February 25, 1947 in Marshall, Michigan to Lloyd Eason and Meredythe (Frost) Eason. Bill attended Lakeview schools and graduated in the class of 1965. Bill had enlisted in the Naval Reserves and trained as a Navy corpsman in the Naval Hospital in Balboa, California. He was then drafted into the Marines where his service would continue with a tour in Vietnam as a frontline recovery medic. Bill was discharged as Navy in October 1968, finishing his service at Camp Lejeune, NC. Bill was awarded a purple heart for injuries sustained in Vietnam.

While living in eastern North Carolina, he met the love of his life (Brenda Shoaf) at East Carolina University. He was smitten and they would marry in July of 1969. They would begin their journey in Battle Creek and later move to Marshall. Together they would share many wonderful years of travel and time with family and their many friends.

Bill would find his true calling in working at the powerhouse at Kellogg’s and serving as Vice President of the Union. He was a member of the 25 Year Club. After retirement, Bill and Brenda would winter in Lexington, NC. They purchased a cabin that Bill referred to as the “Honeymoon Cottage” next door to Brenda’s family homestead.

Bill is survived by his wife Brenda, his brother Tom (Anna) Eason of Trussville, AL, sister Kathy Papke of Salisbury, NC, brother in-law Jim Keeler of Portage, MI, sister in-law Monica (Don) Faulkner, sister in-law Toni Lanning both of Lexington, NC and many nieces and nephews and grand nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Lloyd and Meredythe Eason, sister Merry Ellen Eason, Brenda’s parents Hartley and Hazel Shoaf.

Cremation has taken place. Final Interment will be at a later date. Bill’s presence will be missed but his memories we will treasure.

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