Clarence R. Eaton Jr., 80

WINDHAM — Clarence R. Eaton Jr., 80, of Windham, peacefully passed away surrounded by family, after a brief battle with cancer, on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2012.

Mr. Eaton was born in Bath, the son of Clarence R. and Bernadette Marie Lefebvre Eaton Sr. He was educated at Holy Cross School in South Portland and served as an altar boy at the church. He was a graduate of Cheverus High School in 1951. After high school, he worked as the produce manager at Shaw’s Millcreek in South Portland.

Clarence was an Army veteran, having served in Iceland and was also a member of the Army National Guard.

From 1961 to 1981, he proudly served as a police officer in South Portland, retiring as a sergeant with numerous commendations. Clarence was a graduate of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va. He was a member of the Retired Police Officers’ Association.

Clarence was an avid reader and could be seen puttering around his home working in his gardens. He was a dedicated family man, spending the majority of his time with his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Predeceasing him was a brother, Sidney L. Eaton in 1987.

Surviving are his adoring wife of 50 years, Veronica Roberts Eaton of Windham; a daughter, Julie A. Paine of Limington; a son, Jeffrey A. Eaton of Windham; three sisters, Evelyn Clark of Brunswick, Ellen Deck and Frances Jones, all of Florida; nine grandchildren including John Paine of West Baldwin; 10 great-grandchildren; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours were held on Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012, at Hobbs Funeral Home, 230 Cottage Road, South Portland. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Monday, Sept. 24, 2012, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in South Portland. Interment immediately followed at Brooklawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Clarence’s memory to: Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Rt. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.