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Judley Eaton

March 15, 2021
Portage, MI

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Judley George Eaton of Portage passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2021 at the age of 74. Jud was born in Kalamazoo, MI on July 15, 1946, the son of Frieda Bradeen Eaton and Carl Eaton. Carl was a Salesman with Ralph M. Ralston Automotive and a Veteran of WWII in the Air Force. Frieda was a financial assistant for Allied Paper. At a young age, Jud enjoyed helping his dad and Uncle Brander work on boat engines and grew a passion for anything that had a motor. Jud's dad passed away when he was young and his mom remarried Lucky (Maylord) Alger. Jud joined the Navy in 1964 and was stationed in the Philippines during the Vietnam War where he met his wife and soulmate, Sandra Baer. Jud was an Aviation Ordinanceman, earned a National Defense Service Ribbon and was released in 1967. Jud came back to the states and married Sandy in San Diego, California, where they began their family with their first daughter Dawn. Soon after, Jud brought his family back to his home state and welcomed their second daughter Tara to the family. Jud was a Journeyman Die Maker, and served as UAW-GM Joint Human Resource Coordinator and Alternate Committeeman for UAW Local 488 during his 30 years at the Kalamazoo General Motors plant. Jud eased into retirement doing free-lance Consulting in facilitating change, then worked part-time at Continental Lanes and Bronson Athletic Club. Jud enjoyed tinkering around the house or working on anything with a motor, from motorcycles to boats to his friends' and family's vehicles. His favorite vacation was going to Eldora Speedway every July to watch the King's Royal with his race buddies. He also enjoyed going to the Air Museum, fishing, boating and spending time with his family and friends. Jud had a fun life and is remembered for his outrageous personality. He was always on the move and did not like to miss a thing. He would give the shirt off his back to anybody in need. He was generous, kind and went out of his way to make people feel good. Jud was preceded in death by: his beloved wife Sandy of 54 years; his parents; sisters: Carol Jean VanLuke and Cheryl Jacobs; and brother, Lucky Alger. He is survived by: his daughters, Dawn (James) Schouwburg and Tara (Ted) Long; grandchildren: Codie (Jacob) Kurka, Haile Long and Maggie Schouwburg; one great grandchild, Kai Long; Brothers-in-law, Dave (Marion) VanLuke, Geoff (Denise) Baer, and Sister Diane (Wes) Newman; several nieces, nephews, cousins and his ever-present and faithful dog Audrey. The family will be having a celebration of life later this summer. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Kalamazoo Air Museum or Bronson Health Foundation. Please visit Jud's tribute wall to leave a condolence, personal message or memory of him at https://www.langelands.com