Obituary of D. Ward Eakin

DWardEakin D. Ward Eakin Doran Ward Eakin, 90, formerly of Buckhannon, WV, began his eternal life on Friday, December 29, 2006, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was a US Marine Corps Major-retired and a December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor survivor who served with distinction throughout the WW II Pacific Campaign. He was the eldest child of Peter Evard and Elizabeth Woods Eakin, and was born January 4, 1916, in Skyles, WV. Ward is preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Peter, sister Helen Eakin Dias, sister Mary Eakin Fitzwater, and his own daughter Susan Virginia Eakin. Ward attended Weston High School and later graduated in 1939 from West Virginia Wesleyan College. Growing up he worked numerous jobs at the family owned Eakin Lumber Company of central West Virginia. Following WW II, on June 7, 1947 he married Margaret Jane Carpenter of Buckhannon. He had a long career as an electronics-manufacturing manager retiring from Xerox Corporation in 1982. He later moved to Fairport, NY and resided there at his death but never forgot his beloved West Virginia. Ward is survived by Margaret, his wife of 59 years and sons Paul and wife (Barbara) of Webster, NY; Thomas and wife (Meghan) of Pittsford, NY; and James and wife (Linda) of Fairport, NY along with grandchildren Andrew, Lauren, and Alex. He also has several surviving nieces and nephews. Always the reliable family leader, Ward’s love of nature and life left lasting impressions on those who knew him and joy to those who loved him. He will be missed but will continue to guide us through our cherished memories of him. Funeral services will be held 2 PM Saturday, January 13, 2007 at the Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home with the Rev. Billee Scott Mick officiating. Burial will follow in the Heavner Cemetery. Buckhannon VFW Post # 3663, Frank B. Bartlett Post # 7 American Legion, DAV Chapters # 5 & # 36 will conduct Military Honors at the graveside. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions made in his memory to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (www.stjude.com) or The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum (home of the retired Eakin Lumber Company Shay Locomotive) PO Box 239, 5660 US Rt. 6 West, Galeton, PA 16922. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polinstclair.com. Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Funeral Service Saturday, January 13, 2007 2 PM Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home Burial Heavner Cemetery