Obituary of Walter G. Eaker

Mr. Walter G. Eaker, 84, of Apple Lane, Van Hornesville, New York died Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at his home following a short illness. Born on April 29, 1924 in the Town of Palatine, he was the son of Adelbert Eacker and Ella Emma Beebe Eacker. He attended Little Falls Schools. He was a lifelong resident of the Mohawk Valley. Mr. Eaker was a master mechanic and welder for Union Local 106. He contributed to the Union for over 56 years, until his passing. He retired from active work in 1982. Mr. Eaker worked on many major infrastructure projects in New York and New England states. Mr. Eaker served in the US Army with a rank of Private first class from August 21, 1942 until October 8, 1945. He served with distinction in China, Burma and India. He was of Protestant faith. He received his private pilot's license in 1965, flying through the 1980s. He was a skilled pilot and maintained his own aircraft. He designed and built his own vehicles and restored military vehicles. He also designed and built his own shop. Mr. Eaker was first married in 1946 to Shirley H. Gregory. She preceded him in death in 1991. In August of 1995 he married Lorna B. Altemus. In addition to his first wife, Mr. Eaker was also predeceased by two brothers, Orville Eacker and Elwen "Jake" Eacker. Mr. Eaker is survived by his wife, Lorna A. Eaker of Van Hornesville, NY; two sons, Walter J. Eaker and Sonya of Fort Plain, NY, Jeffery D. Eaker and Wanda of Burnt Hills, NY; four brothers, Adelbert "Junie" Eacker of Nelliston, NY, Clifford Eaker of FL, Richard Eacker of Amsterdam, NY, Dorr Eacker of Nelliston, NY; two sisters, Carol Dillenbeck of Nelliston, NY, Rosanne Edwards of Hudson Falls, NY; five grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The family will be holding a private memorial service at a later date.