Darrel Jay Eatherton

Darrel Jay Eatherton, 82, of Great Falls, passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017 from cancer at Peace Hospice. Darrel’s family will have a celebration of his life at a later date. O’Connor Funeral Home is handling arrangements, and cremation has taken place. Darrel was born September 5, 1934 in Sturgis, South Dakota, and was raised in Rapid City, South Dakota. Darrel won Rapid City’s Cutest Baby Contest in 1935. Darrel graduated from Rapid City High School in 1952, served in the U.S. Navy, and attended the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He worked in the aerospace industry, joined The Boeing Company in 1965, and retired as a human resources manager in 1994. Darrel enjoyed woodworking, including making furniture. After retiring, he developed a passion for stained glass, and made many beautiful pieces. He also enjoyed working in his shop and yard, feeding his beloved birds, and spending time with his family and friends. Darrel is survived by his wife, Carol Eatherton of Great Falls; daughters Paula Eatherton of Rapid City, SD, Kym (Ronny) Sandvig of Lake Stevens, WA; stepson Troy Smalley of Gold Bar, WA; sisters Patricia Williams of Belleville, IL, Karen Bass of Cerritos, CA, Sherry Henninger of Las Vegas, NV, and Kelly (Dave) Tucker of Rapid City, SD; brother Gerry (Bonnie) Jensen of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren Zachary Finley of Kingston, WA, Caleb Fousek and Ashley Fousek of Rapid City, SD, DJ (Amanda) Sandvig of Arlington, WA, and Trevor Sandvig of Lake Stevens, WA; great-grandchildren Joey, Lilly, Gabriel, Alexandria, Hunter, Aeryana, and Eli; and his mother-in-law, Violet Garner of Great Falls. He was preceded in death by his parents Everett Eatherton and Myrtle Kaulitz; sister Marge Willis; grandson Nicholas Fousek; and stepson Michael Smalley.