Don was born on Nov. 19, 1926 in Solon, the son of Clayton and Doris (Paine) Eames. He graduated from Skowhegan High School in 1944, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He earned his Bachelors degree from the University of Maine in 1950, continuing on to Boston University School of Law where he graduated cum laude in 1952.
Upon graduation, Don returned to Skowhegan and began practicing law with his father at Eames & Eames Law Office, later becoming Eames & Stearns, where he practiced for most of his life. Don was a member of the Maine Bar Association for 50 years, which included the Board of Governors-Maine Bar Foundation and Chairman of Nominating Committee. He was also past President and Treasurer of the Somerset Bar Association and a member of the American Bar Association.
Don married the former Ruth Frost on June 19, 1954 in Skowhegan. Together, they raised their family in Norridegwock, where Don lived for more than 60 years, spending summers on Lake Wesserunsett. Later in life, he lovingly cared for Ruth in their home after she suffered a stroke, until she passed away in February 2006.
He was an avid tennis player for decades and enjoyed fly fishing, gardening, and spending time with his family. He had a love for baseball, playing in high school and later in a semi-pro league. He coached little league and became Commissioner of Skowhegan Little League Baseball. He was a loyal Red Sox fan and attended almost every World Series baseball game from the mid 60's to the mid 80's.
One of his favorite pastimes starting from early childhood was his dedication to the Skowhegan State Fair. He was a member of the Association for many years, serving as President, Secretary and Director.
Don was a well-known presence in the community for various involvements that include: President and Director of Redington Hospital Association, President and Director of Redington-Fairview General Hospital, President and Director of Peak Rehab. Association, Member and President of Skowhegan Rotary Club and Paul Harris Fellow, President of Jr. Chamber of Commerce in Skowhegan, Member and President of Phi Mu Delta Fraternity, President and Director of Bloomfield Trustees, Secretary of Somerset Woods Trustees, member and Trustee of First Congregational Church in Norridgewock, and Moderator for town meetings in Norridgewock for 36 years.
Don will be sadly missed by many friends and his family. He is predeceased by his parents, wife Ruth, sister Helen Shaw and brothers Stan and Harold. He is survived by three children: Susan Nutt and her husband, Robert of Sawyer, MI; Samuel Eames and his wife, Pamela of Norridgewock; Jonathan Eames and his wife Andrea of Skowhegan: one sister, Patricia Ela and her husband, David of Myrtle Beach, SC; five grandchildren- Nicklin, Megan, Kirsten, Chelsea, and Alana; seven great grandchildren- Andrew, Quinn, Griffin, Kirin, Kingston, Brecken, and Nella, as well as many nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, Nov. 30, 2018 at 11:00 am at the First Congregational Church, 32 River Rd., Norridgewock, with the Rev. Nathan Richards officiating. Interment will be in the spring at Southside Cemetery in Skowhegan.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of the Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.
In leiu of flowers, those wishing to make donations can do so to a charity of your chosing in Dons name.
