Dale Edwin Eaton

Minot

Dale Edwin Eaton, 86, Minot, formerly of Springfield, Ohio, passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

Dale was born on March 30, 1939, in Rosewood, OH, to Robert and Dorothy (Scott) Eaton. Raised in Urbana, OH, he graduated from Urbana High School in 1957. That same year, on November 28, he married the love of his life, Jean McClintick, in Batavia, OH. Together, they built a strong, enduring partnership that spanned over 67 years.

After a few early years working in housing construction, Dale transitioned into the retail lumber industry, where he thrived as a manager for over 25 years. During this time, Dale joined forces with his brother to own and operate a successful light commercial remodeling business in Urbana. In 1994, Dale and Jean relocated to Minot, where he worked as an estimator for North Star Steel until retiring in July 2007.

Dale was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church and the Minot Rotary Club. He also served as a supervisor for both the Boy Scouts of America and the Associated General Contractors (AGC).

Though he left the farm early in life, the farm never quite left him. Dale maintained a deep connection to the land and the quiet rhythms of life. He found joy in woodworking, gardening, cooking, and reading. He had a particular fondness for his miniature John Deere tractor collection, and took great delight in feeding and watching the neighborhood squirrels.

A proud and loyal supporter of The Ohio State University, Dale’s allegiance to his roots ran deep. His pride in his carpentry skills was evident to all who knew him, and there was rarely a building problem he couldn’t solve.

Known for a sometimes gruff exterior, Dale’s soft and deeply loving heart always shown through. He was a rock for his family–steady, dependable, and fiercely devoted. Above all, he cherished his wife, Jean, and his children.

When once asked what made him most proud in life, Dale wrote:

“Being able to spend a lifetime with my two kids, Timothy and Stacie, being married at least 64 years to the best wife a man can have. Being able to work 50 years in some type of construction field without a layoff or collecting any unemployment.”

He will be remembered for his steadfast dedication to family, his sharp wit, his deep sense of pride in his work, and his quiet joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Dale is survived by his loving wife, Jean of Minot; children, Dr. Timothy (Kay) Eaton of Minot and Stacie McQuinn of Springfield, OH; siblings Robert (Sue) Eaton of Urbana, OH, Kenneth (Leigh) Eaton of Raphine, VA, Judy Nichals of Urbana, OH, Sharon Ireland of Urbana, OH, and Patricia

(Tom) Dever of New Mansfield, OH; grandchildren Patrick (Ming) Eaton, Erin (Chris) Nash, Kelsey Eaton, Dr. Philip Eaton, Dr. Alex (Jessica) Eaton, Trevor (Cassie) McQuinn, Anthony McQuinn, Eric McQuinn, and Clint (Patsy) Hudkins; great-grandchildren Anndelyn Eaton, Owen, Lachlyn, and Rain Nash, Elliott McQuinn, and Bailie, Abi, and Fallon Hudkins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son; brothers Melvin, Paul, Rodney, and Michael Eaton; grandson Matthew McQuinn; son-in-law Richard McQuinn; and special friends Dwight and Becky Pullins.

Celebrations of Dale’s Life will be held in both of the communities he loved most.

The first service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Immanuel Baptist Church in Minot, where Dale spent his later years.

Visitation in Minot will be held the day prior, Monday, August 4, from 3 to 5 p.m., at Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

A second service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, August 8, 2025, at Maiden Lane Church of God in Springfield, OH, close to Dale’s hometown and his roots. Visitation in Springfield will begin one hour prior to the service, from 1 to 2 p.m.

Memorials are preferred to the American Diabetes Association.

Published by The Minot Daily News July 31, 2025.