Funeral services for Merton Eaton, 74, of Dupree will be at 10 AM, Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the Pioneer Hall in Dupree. Burial will be at the Eaton Family Cemetery under the direction of Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge. There will be a prayer service at 6 PM Wednesday at the Hall. Merton passed away Thursday, May 16, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in New Underwood.

Merton Eaton was born February 4, 1950, to Wesley and Barbara Eaton. Merton was the second child born out of seven siblings. Merton attended his grade school years in Red Elm and his high school years in Faith where he graduated in 1969.

Merton was united in marriage to Sharon (Cudmore) Heib on January 9, 1974, in Hughes County. Merton and Sharon had three sons: Cody, Jody and Jaramie. Merton called Red Elm his home, with part of his ranch being located 2 miles North on Iron Lightning Rd.  Merton loved ranching and sharing that way of life with his grandkids. Merton's #1 rule for his grandkids was it's my house, they can do what they want, and they usually did.

As a young boy, Merton loved to drive tractors and to help his grandfather. As Merton grew older, he helped his dad farm and ranch, and then took on his own operation. Merton was a member of the Plaid and Calico 4-H Club when he was younger where he showed livestock.  He was a committee member of the Dupree Pioneer Days Rodeo Club and a board member for the ASC office for years. Merton also drove bus for the Dupree School for several years.

Merton loved to go to rodeos and to watch his boys compete. He also looked forward to the SD State Boys B tournament every year. Merton had the gift of gab. No matter the time or place even if it was a stranger; Merton would strike up a conversation. Merton enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, family, and friends; especially if that included a good card game.

Merton is survived by his sons: Cody (Kim) Eaton, Jody (Danette Serr) Eaton, Jaramie Eaton and Robert Fogelman, sisters; Judy (Dave) Gano of Meadow, SD and Wendy Blunt, Faith, SD, brothers; Levi (Laurie) Eaton of Piedmont, SD, Melvin (Denise) Eaton of Deadwood, SD, and Jim (Candi) Eaton of Rapid City, SD, grandchildren; Sierra, Roper, Cedar, Lane (Robin), Jaycee Eaton, Lacey (Jake) Friedrich, and two great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Merton was preceded in death by his grandparents; George and Edna Pesicka and Levi and Loretta Eaton, his parents; Wesley and Barbara Eaton, his brother; Kenneth Eaton, nephew; Richard Eaton and niece, Tanya Gano.