Stephen Clinton Eatinger

Stephen Clinton Eatinger, 75, of Belton, MO died at the Kansas City VA Medical Center due to complications of Lung Cancer on December 14, 2023. Steve was an honest, trusting, loyal and loving man. He was a devoted husband, father, son, grandfather, and great-grandfather who wanted nothing more out of life than to love and be loved by his family. If you ever had the privilege to meet Steve, you’d know if he gave you a hard time it was because he loved you. He always knew how to bring laughter and smiles to the room. Steve’s orneriness is what defined him. That and his ease to always give the best nicknames to those he loved.

Stephen Clinton Eatinger was born in Springfield, Ohio in 1948 to Harold and Nellie Eatinger. Steve attended Fairborn High School before joining the Air Force, where he served 11 years during the Vietnam Era.

Steve met the love of his life, Nancy in 1969 while he was stationed at Richards-Gebaur Air Force Base. Excited to start their lives together, the two were married at Methodist Church in Belton, MO on March 28, 1970. Together they would travel the world while he served in the Air Force before settling back in Belton for 53 wonderful years.

Steve and Nancy couldn’t wait to start a family of their own, their children meant the world to them. Together they had one daughter Kim and four sons Kelly, Kody, Kyle, and Stephen.

Steve’s favorite role he played was that of a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their grandpa, never failing to show unconditional love and support for each and every one of them. They all love him endlessly and will miss their grandpa.

Steve had a soft spot for his furry friends, treating everyone like the valuable family member they were. Frittie, who lived for 18 years, was just as ornery and grumpy as his owner. I am sure he is tickled to finally see his best friend again.

Steve and his friends were practically inseparable throughout their lives. His best friends or more appropriately brothers, Harley Elkins and Harold Crosby, were together through it all. Steve met Harley when he settled back down in Belton after finishing his time in the military. He was more of a brother to Steve than a friend, their years together were full of late nights playing music, fishing, putting out car fires with snow, and cutting holes in the house with chainsaws. When these two got together there was never a shortage of laughter or shenanigans. Most importantly Steve and Harley raised their families together. Stephen and Harold met serving in the Air Force while stationed in Misawa, Japan. Together they traveled all over Japan playing music in a band called “The Travelers” having the time of their lives.

Everyone who knew Stephen knew how much he loved playing music, fishing, and camping. You could always find him behind the drums, playing the bass or singing the lead vocals in one of his bands. Steve will always be remembered for the way that he loved his family and for his orneriness. We couldn’t have asked for Steve to have been a better husband, father, son, grandfather, and great-grandfather. We will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him forever.

Steve was preceded in death by his son Kyle Ray Eatinger and his parents Harold and Nellie Eatinger. He is survived by wife Nancy Eatinger, brother Bruce Eatinger, four children Kim (Jim) Hawkins, Kelly DeWeese, Kody (Kris) DeWeese, Stephen (Ashlie) Eatinger, as well as, ten grandchildren Jamie Hawkins, James Hawkins, Kassie (Sam) Sowle, Madison (Tyson) DeWeese, Cory (Kristin) DeWeese, Kala DeWeese, Erin DeWeese, Kyle (Skye) DeWeese, Hayden (Kirsten) Eatinger, Rylie Eatinger, and seventeen great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Steve's life will be held from 11:00am - 2:00pm on Sunday, January 7, 2024 at Memorial Station, 998 Commercial Street in Belton, Missouri.