Vernon Bruce Eaton

Vernon Bruce Eaton, age 83, of Maumelle, Arkansas, died Tuesday, September 11, 2012 at Hospice Home Care in Little Rock. He was born in Lonoke, Arkansas, on July 19, 1929, and was a current resident of Stonehaven Assisted Living Facility in Maumelle, Arkansas. He graduated Cherry Valley High School in 1947 and in 1948 joined the U.S. Navy, serving in the Korean War aboard the U.S.S. Mount McKinley. This was a ship of great importance during the Korean War. Being a command ship that always carried a 3-star general, in September of 1950, General McArthur was onboard. In 1952, he married the love of his life, Mary Weaver, and they were married for 60 years in July of 2012, with a large family celebration. He also graduated from LRU (now UALR) with a business degree. Vernon is survived by Mary and three daughters: Pam McCuistion and husband Mac of Frisco, Texas, Vickie Eaton of Little Rock, and Teresa Holland and husband James of Maumelle; granddaughters, Katie Chenoweth of Longview, Texas, Brittany Holland of North Little Rock, Ashly Eaton of North Hollywood, California; and grandsons Kyle Brown of Frisco, Texas, and Taylor McCuistion of Lewisville, Texas. Vernon is also survived by his sister, Dorlene Altman of Little Rock, and great-granddaughter, Madison Chenoweth. He is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one sister. Retiring from Prudential after 25 years, he was one of their top insurance agents. During retirement he enjoyed fishing and creating "Mr. Wobbly Eyes," a popular crappie bait. Perhaps his biggest hobby was his love of music. He was a known musician throughout the State of Arkansas, playing on the "Barn Yard Frolics" with the famous Brown Trio and was seen on Channel 11 every Saturday afternoon as the bass player on "the Tommy Trent Show," followed by shows at the "Tommy Trent Funbarn" on Saturday nights in North Little Rock. He backed up such country music greats as Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette, Jack Green, Lynn Anderson, Glen Campbell and many others. The family would like to especially thank the staff of Stonehaven Assisted Living Facility, Hospice Home Care, and Dr. Curseen of UAMS, for the loving care they gave to Vernon. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m., Friday, September 14, 2012 in the chapel of Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas, (501) 224-8300, with Reverend Bob Slagley officiating. Interment will be at Pinecrest Memorial Park, Alexander, Arkansas. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Thursday, September 13, 2012, at the funeral home. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.