Obituaries

Eddie “Rick” Paul Eaton

Albany, MO: Eddie “Rick” Paul Eaton, 92, Albany, Missouri, passed away March 11, 2026, in Bethany, Missouri. Eddie was born on January 25, 1934, in Bethany, Missouri, the son of Everett and Zelma Eaton. He grew up in Bethany and attended school there. Eddie later proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960, something he remained deeply proud of throughout his life. On June 14, 1957, Eddie married Barbara Jean Giamboni in Reno, Nevada. Together they built a life centered around family and community, spending most of their married years in the Bethany area. Eddie spent his working years in a variety of occupations he truly enjoyed. He held certification in car sales and also worked at Hy-Vee and Harrison County Community Hospital. However, many in Northwest Missouri knew Eddie best for the voice that carried across fairgrounds, ball fields, and racetracks. For several years he served as an emcee at the Northwest Missouri State Fair and at many other area fairs. Eddie also served as the announcer for numerous local sporting events including baseball, softball, and football. One of his greatest passions was announcing stock car races. Eddie announced races for many different classes including modifieds, sprint cars, and hobby stock cars, and he especially enjoyed calling demolition derbies. His love for racing even took him across several states as part of a traveling circuit announcing for IMCA, the International Motor Contest Association. Whether at a racetrack, a fair, or a ballgame, Eddie had a natural ability to connect with a crowd and bring excitement to the moment. Eddie was also an avid sports fan. He rarely missed an opportunity to follow the South Harrison High School Bulldogs football team and enjoyed cheering for Ohio State football as well. Outside of sports, he took pride in keeping his yard looking nice and enjoyed spending time outdoors. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Sherie Darby. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jean Eaton; children, Debi Zafer, Robert Eaton, Joe (Lisa) Eaton, and Richard Eaton; son-in-law, Ron Darby; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren. Eddie will be remembered for his unmistakable voice, his love of sports and racing, and the laughter he brought to his family. For many, the sound of his voice announcing a race or game will always be part of the memories he helped create throughout Northwest Missouri. Funeral Services with Military Rites will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 17 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Inurnment in Miriam Cemetery will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Miriam Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.

bethanyclipper March 13, 2026 3 minutes read

Albany, MO: Eddie “Rick” Paul Eaton, 92, Albany, Missouri, passed away March 11, 2026, in Bethany, Missouri.

Eddie was born on January 25, 1934, in Bethany, Missouri, the son of Everett and Zelma Eaton. He grew up in Bethany and attended school there. Eddie later proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1956 to 1960, something he remained deeply proud of throughout his life.

On June 14, 1957, Eddie married Barbara Jean Giamboni in Reno, Nevada. Together they built a life centered around family and community, spending most of their married years in the Bethany area.

Eddie spent his working years in a variety of occupations he truly enjoyed. He held certification in car sales and also worked at Hy-Vee and Harrison County Community Hospital. However, many in Northwest Missouri knew Eddie best for the voice that carried across fairgrounds, ball fields, and racetracks. For several years he served as an emcee at the Northwest Missouri State Fair and at many other area fairs. Eddie also served as the announcer for numerous local sporting events including baseball, softball, and football.

One of his greatest passions was announcing stock car races. Eddie announced races for many different classes including modifieds, sprint cars, and hobby stock cars, and he especially enjoyed calling demolition derbies. His love for racing even took him across several states as part of a traveling circuit announcing for IMCA, the International Motor Contest Association. Whether at a racetrack, a fair, or a ballgame, Eddie had a natural ability to connect with a crowd and bring excitement to the moment.

Eddie was also an avid sports fan. He rarely missed an opportunity to follow the South Harrison High School Bulldogs football team and enjoyed cheering for Ohio State football as well. Outside of sports, he took pride in keeping his yard looking nice and enjoyed spending time outdoors.

Eddie was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Sherie Darby.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Jean Eaton; children, Debi Zafer, Robert Eaton, Joe (Lisa) Eaton, and Richard Eaton; son-in-law, Ron Darby; 12 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.

Eddie will be remembered for his unmistakable voice, his love of sports and racing, and the laughter he brought to his family. For many, the sound of his voice announcing a race or game will always be part of the memories he helped create throughout Northwest Missouri.

Funeral Services with Military Rites will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 17 at Roberson Funeral Home, Bethany, MO. Inurnment in Miriam Cemetery will be held at a later date. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Miriam Cemetery in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 46, Bethany, MO 64424. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.