David Van Eaton

David Harold Van Eaton of Sunnyside passed into the loving arms of his Savior on October 11, 2022. David was born in Yakima, WA October 26, 1928, to his parents Benjamin and Alice Mary (Pillsbury) Van Eaton. The family moved to Sunnyside when he was three years old and he happily lived here for the remainder of his life. He was a long-time attendee/trustee of the Sunnyside United Methodist Church. David graduated from Sunnyside High School with the Class of 1946 and had many lifetime friends. He was drafted into the Sixth Army Area in November 1950 and was stationed in Austria until 1951 during the Korean War. He worked 35-plus years at the Sunnyside United States Post Office starting with home deliveries and retiring as a window clerk. He enjoyed many co-workers and was recently recognized by his former customer! He brought gladiolas home to his wife during his tenure at the post office. Because of David's love for the Pacific Northwest, he became a member of the Mountaineers and climbed most of the Cascade peaks. Counted among his notable friends are his hiking buddy in the North Cascades, Stanton Cain, and his river floating duck hunting buddy Ben Payton. In his bachelor days, he traveled with his brother Ben and sister-in-law Audrey and sister Alice to places in Central and South America. During his retirement, he loved woodworking in "Dave's Workshop" with his former postal co-worker and woodworker Dick Eubanks. The Archeological Society introduced him to the love of his life Janice and they were happily married for 51 years. They are proud parents of sons Keith and Jeff. He passed along his love of the PNW to his sons on camping trips to Ohanapecosh. He is remembered for his fun-loving sense of teasing with his 5 grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents and brother and sister. He is survived by his wife Janice, sons; Keith (Mary) and Jeff (Kim) and grandchildren, Emma, Trent, Cade, Benjamin, and Rebecca; and nephews Mark, Bruce, and Kris. There will be no service, please remember him in your hearts. The family would like to thank the staff of "Just Like Home" for their loving care of David. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Van Eaton, please visit our flower store.