Pastor Paul LaFair Eaton

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes… Rev. Paul LaFair Eaton was born March 11, 1932, in Baxter, Texas, and went to be with the Lord on September 24, 2025, at the age of 93 in Richmond Texas. Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Janet Eaton, parents Jesse and Mary Eaton, siblings Earl Eaton, Alton Eaton, Jessie Mae Brotherton, Hazel Eaton, and Jack Eaton along with several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. Paul is survived by his sister Doris Ward and brother Ted Eaton, his 4 children Paula Smith and her husband Charles, Peggy Todd and her husband Mark, Patty Phillips, Perry Eaton and his wife Rhonda. Paul and Janet have 13 grandchildren and with their spouses they have 36½ great- grandchildren. Paul became a Christian as an early teen and surrendered to preach at the age of 16. The pastor at Memorial Baptist Church suffered with migraines and Paul filled in on a moment’s notice when the pastor was unable to deliver the message due to his illness. Paul’s love for the Lord grew over the years and he led many to know Christ as their Savior. Paul was raised in Pasadena, Texas where he met the love of his life, Janet, the “prettiest girl on the planet.” They both graduated from Pasadena High School and later married in 1952 at the age of 20. They lived their early married life in Corpus Christi where Paul later received a degree from UCC. While working part-time and going to the University, Paul honed his talent in the art of ping-pong. He would later say, he arrived in Corpus with a wife and child and left with a wife, a Bachelor of Science Degree and 4 children. Due to an illness as a child, Paul lost hearing in one ear and was tone deaf. To share his love for music instead of singing, he would whistle to the congregational songs at Church and Baptist Conventions. He soon became known as the “Whistling Preacher.” His lack of tone did not deter him from singing his love song to Janet which he shared with everyone, whether you wanted to hear it or not. He shared the gospel wherever he was, even witnessing over the phone as he always answered, “Hello, Jesus Loves You.” Whenever asked how he was, his answer was always “Blessed.” His love for life and fun showed itself with light-heartedness as he always had a joke or fun story to tell. Paul served as pastor to churches for over 40 years and after retiring continued to preach as a guest speaker and interim pastor. He continued to stay active and worked as a greeter at Sam’s where he received many accolades. He loved God’s Word, loved his wife and family, showed the Love of God, and touched many lives. “Now, don’t go weeping over this little bit of clay, for the life that once lived here has left and gone away. He’s doing very finely, and he appreciates your love, but sure enough the Father wanted him in the big house up above. So, my poor dejected mourners let your heart with Jesus rest and don’t go criticizing the One who knows the best. He has given us many comforts; He has the right to take away. So, to the Lord be praise and glory now and ever… shall we pray.” Paul was ordained and pastored nine churches all located in Texas: Perry Place Baptist-Corpus Christi Ricardo Baptist-Ricardo Townley Place Baptist-Houston Andover Baptist-Houston First Baptist-Donie First Baptist-North Zulch while pastoring in North Zulch, he also pastored at Rock Prairie Baptist-Rock Prairie Fairview Baptist-Dam B First Baptist-Frankston First Baptist-Splendora Paul’s Love Song to Janet Hey, Hey Pretty Woman, I’m so glad you married me. Hey, Hey Pretty Woman, You make me happy as I can be. Way back yonder in ’52, When I married up with you, You became my wife, the joy of my Life And you make me happy too. Hey, Hey Pretty Woman, I’m so glad you married me. Hey, Hey Pretty Woman, You make me happy as I can be. A livestream of the service can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/@FBCWillis

Pastor Paul LaFair Eaton

March 11, 1932 - September 24, 2025