John Ellis

John Ellis had an unforgettable smile, a servant's heart and a full life that was cut short suddenly last Sunday. I do trust that God had a plan and it was John's time to come home. But for those of us who knew him, it hurts. My Wednesday night ritual of playing basketball at the church will just not ever be the same without's John's smile and warm welcome. To see our sanctuary packed yesterday at his service, I know that so many people feel the same.

Eaton, John Ellis
EATON, JOHN ELLIS - age 62, of Knoxville, passed away suddenly Sunday, February 15, 2009 at Ft. Sanders Regional Medical Center. Mr. Eaton was born June 8, 1946 in Bellflower, CA to Bernard Eaton and Mildred Plunkett Eaton. By trade Mr. Eaton was a faithful and devoted employee of Church Street United Methodist Church for more than eleven years. He was an avid fly fisherman who truly enjoyed the outdoors and was a member of the Fly Tying Association FLOA. Preceded in death by his brother, Frank Eaton; and mother, Mildred Eaton. He is survived by his wife, Renee Eaton; children, Bryan Kerbow, James Kerbow, Christie Williams, Devon James, John Eaton II, and Kendra Suzanne Eaton; step-daughters, Bonnie Flemming and Donna Knox; grandchildren, T.J. Williams, Rebecca Eaton, and Matthew Eaton; step-grandchildren, Joey Knox and Riley Knox; longtime companion, Rosemary Sledge; father, Bernard Eaton; and a sister, Eileen Aredondo. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Church Street United Methodist Church with Reverend Andy Ferguson, Reverend Darryll Rasnake, Reverend Jan Buxton-Wade, and Reverend Sarah Moody officiating. Interment will follow in Tennessee Veterans Cemetery with full military honors presented by the Volunteer State Veterans Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in John's name to Church Street United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1303, Knoxville, TN 37901-1303. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Church Street United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Rose Mortuary Broadway Chapel.