ROCKLAND — Milton “Francis” Eaton, passed away peacefully at the age of 94 surrounded by his loving wife and daughters at his home, February 14, 2023. Born in Sedgwick, May 19, 1928, he was the son of Theodore and Marian Saunders Eaton. Milton is better known as Francis, Papa, Uncle Frank, Franny, Milt, Milty, Hillbilly and Daddy. 

An adventurous young boy, Francis learned and accomplished many things. Moving from Sedgwick to Camden his freshman year, he graduated from Camden High School in 1946. He proudly served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army in the Korean War and later with the National Guard.

He met the love of his life, Elinor J. Glidden, at a dance in Thomaston and loving to dance they just celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary.

Together, they had four children and purchased a farm in Rockport, where they farmed chickens and blueberries on the Halfway Farm on Mill Street.

Francis purchased a family camp on 7 Tree Pond in Union, where family and friends have come to gather every summer. Francis and Elinor had many adventures and camping trips with friends.

He retired from Martin Marietta Dragon Cement Plant and then was a caretaker for several years on Beauchamp Point in Rockport. Frances and Elinor wintered in Florida where they made long lasting friendships and special memories.

Francis was a member of the Rockland Lodge of Elks Lodge, No. 1008, the Winslow-Holbrook- Merritt American Legion Post 1, AF&AM, and the National Grange. 

He enjoyed Amateur Radio, Bowling leagues and volunteered hundreds of hours playing music at local nursing homes. His best adventure was being selected for the Veterans Honor Flight in Washington, D.C., accompanied by his daughter Sandi in 2018.  We remember the tears in his eyes on that trip.

Always with a bit of humor, Francis loved to meet people and share stories and easily made new friends wherever he went.  A self-taught musician, he loved to play his mandolin in bands and at home he played the harmonica and keyboard.

Other than his parents, Francis was predeceased by his son Gregory Eaton; two sisters, Joyce Jameson,  Pauline Nichols; a brother-in-law Edward Nichols; a niece Michelle Jameson and his beloved dogs, especially Mollie. 

He is survived by his wife Elinor, three daughters and their husbands, Sandra and Chuck Lachance of Cushing, Tamra and Larry Hooper of Lincolnville, Pamela and Frederick Gushee of Appleton; special nephew Michael Jameson and his wife, Donna of Friendship; six grandchildren, Heidi Taylor, Jimmy (Nicole) Hall, Jennifer Hall, Christopher (Anna) Hooper, Katie Hooper (partner Matthew), Jesse (Erika) Eaton; eight great-grandchildren, Dylan Taylor, Hannah Taylor,  Gavin Anderson, Alex Hall, Benjamin Hall, Addison Hall, Hazel Hooper, Everett Eaton; great-great granddaughter Catherine Taylor; sister Oleitta MacKinnon partner Royal Roach of Zephryhills, Florida;  brothers-in-law, Richard (Christine) Glidden, David (Sharon) Glidden and Bud (Carol) Jameson, as well as many nieces, nephews, special friends and a devoted friend Greg Dorr.

A private family graveside service will be held at Rockville Cemetery.  A Life Celebration for all family and friends will be held at 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, at the American Legion, 335 Limerock St., Rockland. 

In memory of Francis and his love for dogs, donations can be made to Pope Memorial Humane Society PO Box 1294, Rockland, ME, 04841. To share a memory or story with the Eaton family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.   

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.