Gene Franklin Eaker, 87 of Oak Grove Clover Hill Church Road, Lawndale, passed away on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Hospice at Wendover in Shelby.

Born in Cleveland County, on July 21, 1936, he was the son of the late Cecil Lattimore Eaker and Bessie Proctor Eaker. Mr. Eaker retired after 31 years of service from Fiber/Celeanse. He was a member of Kistlers United Methodist Church.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Deborah Royster; son, Darrell Eaker; brother, Garlan Eaker and five sisters, Mary Eaker, Burleens "Lena" Whisnant, Dot Hendrick, Wilma Towery and Selma White.

Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Peggy Shytle Eaker; three daughters, Donna Lynn of Lawndale, Deniece Land (Randy Cade) of Shelby and Dale Eaker (Louie Zeleskey) of Lawndale; son-in-law, Edwin Royster of Lawndale; 13 grandchildren, Nelson Royster, Matthew Royster, Caleb Lynn, Ellyn Brotherton, Nolan Lynn, Hannah Lee, Kristin Hammond, David Hunter Land, Daniel Eaker, Thomas Eaker, Jessica Talbert, Katy Barbour and Jullia Zeleskey, and 14 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Monday, January 15, 2024 from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm at Kistlers United Methodist Church.

A Funeral Service will be held on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12:00 pm at Kistlers United Methodist Church, 846 Casar-Lawndale Road, Lawndale, with the Rev. Kim Clardy and Rev. Tim Hendrick officiating.

The burial will follow the service in the Kistler's United Methodist Church Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to Kistler's United Methodist Church, PO Box 9, Fallston, NC 28042.

A guest register is available at www.stameytysingerfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Stamey-Tysinger Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., Fallston, NC.