AVA, Connally Ray Eaton Sr., 79, of Ava, passed away at 1:25 A.M. Saturday, March 7, 2009, at Rehab and Care Center in Murphysboro, IL. He was born February 27, 1930 in Cutler, Illinois the son of Walter Eaton and Nettie (Lipe) Eaton. Connally married Helen P. Herd on May 23, 1955 in Ava, Illinois. She passed away on February 1, 1986. He is survived by one son: Russell Eaton of Ava, Illinois; daughters: Marjorie Gale of Murphysboro, Illinois, Peggy Eaton Ebers of Marissa, Illinois, Donna Eaton Leggett of Chicago, Illinois; 13 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren; Very special and loving friend Mae Smith of Murphysboro, Illinois; Sisters: Vivian Byer of Granite City, Illinois, Marjorie Qualls of Sparta, Illinois and Phyllis Henson of Willisville, Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army during Korean Conflict. Connally retired from Spartan Printing Press Co., Sparta, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son: Connally Ray Eaton Jr., one granddaughter Vicki Verlench; one sister Nona Hepp, one brother, Russell Eaton. Mr. Eaton was a fifty year member of the Alma Lodge #497 A.F & A.M., Steeleville, Illinois, and fifty year member of Paul Stout American Legion Post #127, Murphysboro, Illinois. Also a member of the Berean Christian Church, Murphysboro, Illinois and First Baptist Church, Murphysboro, Illinois. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava. Rev. Shaker Samuel and Rev. Troy Humphrey will be officiating. Burial will be at Pleasant Hill Christian Cemetery, Murphysboro, Illinois. Visitation will be held at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava on Monday from 5-8 pm and on Tuesday from 7:30 am until the hour of service. Masonic Service will be on Monday night at 8pm at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, Illinois. Military service will be at the cemetery on Tuesday. Memorials may be made to TIP Hospice or Berean Christian Church, Murphysboro, Illinois or the First Baptist Church, Murphysboro. Illinois.