John W. Eaton

Born to Marguerite and John Eaton on October 16, 1935, in Vallejo, California, John Wallace Eaton passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 16th – his 90th birthday – in Fair Oaks, California.

A gifted athlete, John excelled in baseball, basketball, and football while attending Vallejo High School. He went on to play collegiate football at Sacramento State and baseball at the semi-pro level.

Following graduation, John began teaching at Encina High School in Sacramento, where he also launched his coaching career. He coached football, cross-country, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. After five years, John joined Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks during its inaugural year, serving as Head of the Physical Education Department, a position he held for 37 years.

John retired in 2004 from coaching football after an impressive 41-year career. He also coached the Sacramento Buccaneers semi-pro football team and was the founder and long-time coordinator of Del Campo’s Sports-A-Rama. In recognition of his athletic achievements during his playing career, he was inducted into the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame on March 2, 2013.

John and Leah Eaton were married on December 28, 1958, in Vallejo, California, and shared nearly 67 wonderful years together. They raised three children: Lisa, John (wife Kim), and Shai (husband Eric). They were blessed with six beloved grandchildren and ten cherished great-grandchildren. John is also survived by his brother, Jim, and many dear family members and friends.

John will be remembered for his gentle kindness, strong leadership, and deep devotion to his family. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched – as a coach, mentor, husband, father, and friend. He taught those around him not only how to play the game, but how to live with honesty, faith, and respect.

Services will be held on Friday, November 7, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Divine Savior Church, 9079 Greenback Lane, Orangevale, CA 95662. A Celebration of Life will follow at 1:00 p.m. at the Citrus Heights Community Center, 6300 Fountain Square Drive, Citrus Heights, CA 95621. Private burial Calvary Cemetery, Citrus Heights.

“Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.” – Unknown.