Obituary of Allen G. Eakes

Senior Chief Petty Officer Allen Gene Eakes, U.S. Navy (retired), 77, of West Branch, Iowa, died peacefully Sept. 5, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving children.

All are welcome to attend a celebration of life at his home, 128 Oliphant St. in West Branch, between 4 and 7 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 10 in lieu of a traditional service per Al’s wishes.Military honors at 6:30 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Iowa City Hospice or the West Branch Public Library.

Al was born Feb. 2, 1941, in Iowa City. The son of George and Lucille Eakes, he attended City High School. He retired in 2007 after 21 years in security at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Prior to that, he proudly and honorably served 23 years in the Navy, including two tours during the Vietnam War, retiring in 1983 as maintenance chief of the support equipment division at Moffett Field, California.

Al’s hobbies included time with his family, bowling, reading, fishing, camping, visiting casinos and attending his grandchildren’s activities.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 39 years, Joyce; his step-son, Jeffrey Kober; and his parents.

Al is survived by four daughters, Debra (Jim) Belknap, Kerry (Matthew) Koenighain, Lisa (Lonnie) Zingula, and Kate (Jeremy) Kangas; his son, James; and two sisters, Mary (Leo) Samuelson and Susan (Larry) Tyler. Also surviving are his 12 grandchildren, Tara, Brooke, Jacob, Zachery, Jordan, Karissa, Allen, Emma, Jeffrey, Sophie, Madelynn and Gunnar; great-granddaughter, Lakin; six nieces and nephews; and a cherished cat, Honey.