Longtime Ventura resident David “Dave” Eaton passed away peacefully on March 19, 2018, at the age of 90. He was born in New Jersey on November 11, 1927, the fifth of six children. His father was a Baptist minister who served churches in several locations over his career including First Baptist Church of Ventura, which brought the family to the city in 1942.
At 17 years of age, during World War II, Dave dropped out of high school and joined the Merchant Marines. He later joined the Army and served in Japan immediately after the war. Upon his return to Ventura, he completed his high school equivalency and married Delores “Dee” Houghton. The couple raised three children in Ventura, and were active in area churches. They were married for 66 years.
Dave was a partner in Channel Electric, on Thompson Blvd., for many years. While continuing as an electrical contractor, he began serving on a city planning committee in the 1960s, which launched decades of public service. He served two terms on the Ventura City Council, the last two years as mayor, followed by a term as a Ventura County Supervisor. After completing his term as supervisor, he returned to private industry but remained active as a volunteer in civic life, including serving as chair of the fundraising committee for the restoration of the Father Serra statue in front of City Hall. In 1993 he began serving on the county Assessment Appeals Boards first as an alternate then, in 2002, as a regular member of board number one. He was also the assessment appeals hearing officer from 1993 to his retirement. Dave retired from the Assessment Appeals Board in late 2012 at age 85.
Dave enjoyed everyday family life as well as family camping vacations. He played golf, particularly with friends who formed the “R & A (Raunchy & Atrocious) Golf Club,” from which he received an award for the shortest putt missed, at one inch.
David Eaton is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Debbie and Ron Johnston of San Luis Obispo, and Donna and Dave Burns of Inverness, Illinois; five grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his siblings, his wife Dee, and his son Dana.
A celebration of Dave’s life will be held on Saturday, April 14, 2018, 1:00 pm, at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura.
The family would like to express their deep appreciation to Atherton Baptist Homes, Alhambra, CA, for their loving care during the last years of Dave’s (and Dee’s) life.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home.
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