
Jack Snyder Eaton
Tomb Position
SentinelTomb Relief
Highest Military Rank
SGTTomb Dates
Jan 1938 - Jan 1940Military Dates
Oct 1937 - Oct 1940Society Membership
MemberCurrent City / State
Burton, MichiganTomb Reflections
Mr. Eaton served at the Tomb in 1938, 1939 and 1940. He was attached to the 5th Engineers at Ft. Humphreys (Belvoir). This was back in the day when TG’s performed two-week rotations in and out from Ft. Humphreys, Ft. Washington and Ft. Myer. Ft. Belvoir. He was discharged as a Corporal on October 25. 1940.He re-enlisted on February 2, 1942
Contact Information
Obituary
Eaton, Jack Snyder, Age 101 years young of Burton, Mi passed away on Thursday, December 3rd at Beaumont Hospital in Taylor, MI. Jack was born March 23rd 1919 in Black Lick, PA. Jack was a WW II Army Veteran. During this time Jack established himself as an expert marksman ultimately becoming an instructor. He rose quickly to the rank of Gunnery Sergeant utilizing his skills. He had the distinguished honor of being chosen as a “Sentinel” guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier from 1938 to 1940. During his service he acquired the European~African~Middle Eastern Campaign medal, the Victory~WW II medal and a Good Conduct medal. He was a member of the Society of the Honor Guard.
In October of 2019 he was finally recognized as the oldest living Sentinel and he was sent to Washington D.C. by the Mid~Michigan Honor Flight to see his name placed on the plaque at the Arlington National Cemetery. This was one of his proudest moments as he was not previously recognized due to a fire destroying all records of that time. Following his exemplary military career he opened his own successful window and aluminum company and also became an Industrial landlord. His success in business enabled him to retire and enjoy life at the age of 55. All of this accomplished with only an 8th grade education. He married Isabelle on May 21, 1979. They eventually moved to Florida in 1985 where he enjoyed playing golf almost every day. He also enjoyed playing gin rummy, and loved music and dancing. He often said “when the music starts, my feet want to move.” He attributed his successes in life to his philosophy which was do your best and stand out. Later in life after he was not able to golf he spent many hours a day on his computer and enjoyed writing letters to Congressmen and to the President and to anyone that would listen to how things should be done. Jack moved to Lockwood of Burton due to Isabelle requiring special care for dementia.
Jack took advantage of the social opportunities available to the residents. He always stood in line to sign up for the various outings and activities. And he especially looked forward to Happy Hour Fridays where he could show off his dance moves. We know he brought many smiles to all his friends faces at Lockwood.
Jack is survived by his wife, Isabelle, daughters Lisa Koszegi and Brenda Warburton (Mark), son Jeffrey Koszegi, grandchildren Christopher Ehrke (Allison), Shauna Koszegi and Michael Koszegi, great~grandchild Eli Ehrke. He was preceded in death by his first wife Dorothy, parents James R. Eaton and Margaret Simpson (Snyder), brother Stan and son Gregory Koszegi.
Jack will also be missed by special friends John Koszegi, Marty Walterhouse, Betty, Harvey, Dolly, Rosie, Candy and Kim. Special thanks to the staff at Lockwood of Burton, Lisa Borck ~ Community Nurse Liaison for Lockwood medical team and Kim Cox ~ Hospice Administrator, Mid~Michigan Honor Flight and everyone associated with them, the staff at 9 & 10 News in Cadillac, MI especially Lauren Skafidi, one of Jack's favorite dance partners and the heroes at Beaumont Hospital Taylor who took care of Jack during his final hours. Jack will be laid to rest in Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Township. A Memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Tunnel to Towers or the Lewy Body Dementia Association.
Memories & Condolences
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Units & Campaigns
5th Engineers, Ft. Humphreys5th Engineers, Ft. Washington
5th Engineers, Ft. Myer
Awards & Decorations
Army Good Conduct MedalEuropean-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
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Did you know?
What happened to the soldier that was in the Tomb from the Vietnam War?
The remains of the Vietnam Unknown Soldier were exhumed May 14, 1998. Based on mitochondrial DNA testing, DoD scientists identified the remains as those of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie, who was shot down near An Loc, Vietnam, in 1972. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam Unknown will remain vacant. (Further Background) (News Article from the Department of Defense)