Robert Brian Eaton was born in England on January 5, 1957, to Jo Ann Shaver Eaton and Kenneth Edward Eaton. Robert left this earth Thursday, June 13, 2024, in Minden, Louisiana.
Curious from birth Robert began taking things apart and putting them back together from an early age. If his mom wanted something to stay in one piece she had to hide it from him. According to his report cards “Robert’s conduct must improve” and unfortunately for Ms. Watson he never stopped causing trouble in the best ways possible. For example, according to him he threw a paper plane at President Johnson when he visited First Baptist Church in Minden. He lived many lives in his 67 years, and he loved to tell his story. From racing cars with the likes of Davey Allison and Dale Earnhardt Sr. to creating numerous inventions, finding collectibles in unusual places, running the prettiest beads welding, songwriting for the likes of Brad Paisley, watching catfish walk on land, and so much more.
Robert always said he wanted to change the world and he did so with his kindness. He would go out of his way for both strangers and friends. If he saw a way he could help he would. A “man’s man” with a heart of gold. His hands were calloused and his tongue sharp from spending his days working at his mechanic shop which also seemed to serve as a community hub for his many daily visitors. Tammy and Robert opened their hobby store, Bobbies Hobbies, together in 1994. Robert planned to retire to the store when he was done working on automobiles in order to focus on his passion for R/C planes, model trains, and (smaller) automobiles. His breadth of knowledge ranged more topics than we’d be able to fit in this obituary. Honestly, anything anyone could try to write pales in comparison to the force that he was in life.
Robert leaves behind the light of his life, his daughter, Dorian Elaine Eaton and his wife and partner of 50 years, Tammy Gaile Eaton, along with countless friends who will feel a huge hole in their daily lives. Robert was a secret socialite who was not a fan of crowds but loved people wholeheartedly. You can’t go anywhere in Minden without someone knowing him and to know him was a gift. He will be missed by many including his Broken Bean Coffee Club and the Lunch Bunch.
So, when you miss him do something kind for someone else in remembrance of him. Tell a story about your friend while you’re at it. “Remembering a man’s stories makes him immortal, did you know that?” -Daniel Wallace
Perhaps the best way to honor him is by letting him close these meager paragraphs with a poem he wrote.
Remember Me
When you stand next to a flower and watch that bee
When you see the beauty in a Dogwood Tree
Enjoy the moment and think of me.
When you see a beautiful cloud in the sky,
When it floats ever so slowly by
Enjoy the moment and think of me.
When you hear the wind whisper through the Pines
When the wind plays a tune on those chimes,
Enjoy the moment and think of me.
When the flowers so colorful start to bloom,
When the robin comes home and in his nest makes room.
Enjoy the moment and think of me.
When the warm afternoon rain falls so softly
When the hawk flies slowly, ever so lofty
Enjoy the moment and think of me.
When you see the sunrise to wake a new day
When you look out the window and see children at play
Enjoy the moment and think of me.
When you stand there and watch the sun set
When you lay down your head for a good night’s rest.
Enjoy the moment and think of me.
Robert B. Eaton
12/16/2006
He was preceded in death by his mother, JoAnn Hollier; father, Kenneth Eaton; brother, Tim Eaton; and his aunt, Louise McGuire. Left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Rick and Rodney Eaton; his sister, Yvonne; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Dwayne Anders, Kevin Anders. Kary Bryce, Ronnie Bullock, Wayne Chance, Derek Hopkins, Henry Lawerence, Eddie Robertson, Jerry Smith, Sherburne Sentell, and Sherb Sentell, III.
A celebration of life will be held at the Minden Country Club located at 688 Pine Hills Drive, Minden, Louisiana, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM. All are welcome to stay after for light refreshments and fellowship.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to ease the family’s financial stress and burden during this most difficult time. The store, Bobbies Hobbies, and shop, ER Automotive, were closed during Robert’s final battle. Bills continue to amass, including medical costs, and final expenses. Your generosity and love are heartfelt and will never be forgotten.