Clarence Eugene Eaton, 78, lifelong Guymon area resident, passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, December 30, 2017 in Amarillo, Texas.

The son of Joseph Eugene and Helen Irene (Whitney) Eaton, he was born January 24, 1939 in the second bedroom of the Sam Gurwell farmhome, north of Guymon. He attended Unity school and then Guymon High School, graduating with the GHS Class of 1957. As a young man, Clarence set up an arena in his father's pasture and rode bareback horses.

Following high school, Clarence attended Panhandle A & M in Goodwell before joining the U.S. Army in January 1961. He served in the 45th Division 13th Infantry. Following his honorable discharge, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves. He loved dancing, hunting, playing pool, as well as coffee and conversation with friends and family. He was a big fan of the rodeo and had a flair for witty one-liners.

Clarence had 3 children: Kefty, Kevin and Katrina. He taught his children leather-working, woodworking, and how to overcome and power through adversity. Clarence and his longtime friend, Loreatta "Rita" King were united in marriage on March 17, 2012.

He had a diverse work history including cowboying, farming, worked for the Highway Department, owned his own carpet cleaning business, meter reading and warehousing for the City of Guymon before retiring when he was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at the age of 40. Despite the somber prognosis of MD, he defied expectations and lived a long life.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Helen Eaton; one sister, Yvonne Wehmeier and step-daughter, Revonda Nix.

He is survived by his wife, Rita King-Eaton of the home; his three children: Kefty Eaton and wife, LeJanne of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Kevin Eaton of Amarillo, Texas and Katrina Atkins and husband, Bo of Amarillo, Texas. He also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 2 step-grandsons and 3 great grandchildren. He was a gentleman and a gentle man - he will be missed by all.

Funeral services will be conducted Thursday afternoon, January 4th at 2:00 p.m. at the Guymon Church of the Nazarene with Pastors Terry Armstrong and Monty Sanders officiating. Interment will follow at the Elmhurst Cemetery in Guymon. Services are under the care of the Bunch - Roberts Funeral Home of Guymon.

The Eaton family suggests that memorials in Clarence's name be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Memorials will be accepted at the Bunch - Roberts Funeral Home, PO Box 1112, Guymon, OK 73942. Friends can sign the online guestbook and leave condolences at www.bunchroberts.com.