Tire industry veteran Bill Eaton dies

June 25, 2010

Tire industry veteran Bill Eaton died on June 22 following a battle with cancer. He most recently ran the Dirt Gripz Inc. private brand tire program with his wife, Bonnie.

Eaton began his career with Firestone Tire & Rubber Co., where he worked for 30 years in various positions across the United States. He also worked for General Tire & Rubber Co.

A racing and golf enthusiast, Eaton maintained a suite at the Indianapolis 500 and played in several NEC Invitational Pro Am tournaments, as well as several Senior Pro Ams in Las Vegas, Nev.

An Akron, Ohio, resident, he is survived by his wife, Bonnie; children, Greg (Terry) Eaton, Laura (Fred) Weygandt, David (Christy) Eaton, Sean (Julie) Colon, Kristie Hart, Shannon (Derek) Schwartzenburg; 15 grandchildren; and other relatives.

Calling hours will be held this Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Eastern Time at the Ciriello and Carr Fairlawn Chapel in Fairlawn, Ohio. A private service will be held on Monday.