Alvin "Al" Cortez Eaton
March 20, 1935 - November 17, 2017
Born in Russellville, Arkansas on March 20,1935 to Amos and Leona Marie Eaton, Al was the second in line of four boys: Amos Jr, John and Gerald.
Moving to Tulsa as a young child, he graduated from Tulsa Central High School in 1953.
He joined the U.S. Army in 1954 and after being stationed in Germany for two years, received an Honorable discharge in 1956. Later, he would attend Tulsa Technical College and the University of Tulsa to pursue interests in radio, television and electronics repair.
In the fall of 1963, after being introduced to the sister-in-law of a friend and co-worker at Century Electronics, Al met the love of his life, Harolene Roberts.
The two were married after just two months and built a happy, healthy family raising four beautiful children. Their bond stayed strong, until his peaceful passing on November 17, for fifty-four years and one day.
His work career spanned over thirty-seven years as a Mechanical Engineer in the instructional systems and simulation industry before retiring from Flight Safety International in March 1997. Retirement for Al was enjoyed by traveling with his wife, spending time with his family and tinkering in his machine shop.
In his later years in life, he loved maintaining the website for his high school graduating class that he developed in 2008 until an affliction from a form of ALS took the use of his arms and hands in 2015. Although the disease would eventually capture his whole body, his mind wasn't affected. He remained sharp, alert and extremely intellegent until the very end.
He will always be remembered as kind, loving, caring and supportive. He is survived by his wife Harolene Eaton; Four children, Debra Dianne McNew and husband Jerry of Owasso, Tasha Bartholic and husband Kevin of Tulsa, Rodney Kevin Eaton of Tulsa and Christopher Paul Eaton of Tulsa, Two brothers, John Eaton and his wife Diane of Tulsa, Gerald Eaton and his wife Helen of San Diego, California. Six Grandchildren, Brandi Niles and husband Ehren of Tolland, Connecticut, Jennifer Shockley and husband Chris of Catoosa, Meagan Ashing and husband Jason of Tulsa, Max Bartholic of Tulsa, Ryan Eaton of Tulsa and Tori Eaton of Tulsa; And two Great Grandchildren, Cody Beason and Nicholas Shockley both of Tulsa. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Amos Jr. "Bud" Eaton.
The world lost a good man and those who knew him will move forward knowing that it is a better place having been touched by the spirit of Al Eaton. Although he is gone, his memory will live in out hearts for the rest of our lives. He will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date.
In lieu of flowers family requested donations be make to Make a Wish Foundation or the Charity of your choice.