Charles Eakin

Charles A. Eakin (Charlie), age 95 of Diamondhead, died peacefully on July 22, 2018.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ethel Eakin of New Orleans;  his loving wife, Jean Eakin; his devoted daughter, Suzanne Eakin Vilemont Bruce; and his brother and best friend, Morrie Eakin.
He is survived by his son, Charles W. Eakin II (Jenneane) of Biloxi; grandson, Charles W. Eakin III (Kristie) of Dallas, Texas; granddaughters, Andrea Vilemont Moreau (David) of Pass Christian, and Ashley Vilemont McFadden of Slidell; and great-grandchildren, Eli Kolidas, Andrew Moreau, and Evelyn McFadden, all of Pass Christian. He is also survived by his dear caregivers, Rose Foss and Willie Ellis.
Charlie was born in New Orleans on November 22, 1922, graduated Alcee Fortier High School in 1939, and Louisiana State University with a BS in Industrial Education in 1943.  His military career in the US Navy began in September, 1943, attending the 4th midshipman class at Notre Dame and commissioned as an ensign in January, 1944. He spent his entire active duty as an engineering officer and later as a commanding officer of an amphibious assault ship, LSM 231, in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater until his release from active duty in September, 1945. He remained active in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1982 with the rank of commander.
Following the War, in his civilian career, he joined the New Orleans District Corps of Engineers as a mechanical engineer in 1948 through 1962. In 1962, he became employed by NASA at the Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans as a construction management engineer with the Space Shuttle Task Group. Throughout his civilian and military career, Charlie received many awards, certificates of commendation and appreciation, tributes, and honors, including the Key to the City from Mayor Ernst Dutch Morial.
In retirement, Charlie and his wife moved to a beautiful home he designed and built in Diamondhead, Mississippi, a favorite getaway from the city where they'd had a condo since 1970. Among Charlie's many hobbies were vintage gun collecting, coin collecting, and restoring vintage motorcycles and cars along with his brother, Morrie.  Charlie also enjoyed flying with his brother and traveling the world with his wife.  He also loved John Wayne movies. Charlie had the respect and friendship of everyone who knew him.  He was good-natured, kind-hearted, generous, an animal lover, and had a great sense of humor.  He will be missed.
Visitation will be at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, Mississippi from 10:30 AM until 12:30 PM, on Thursday, August 2, 2018, with interment to follow immediately at the Biloxi National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the SPCA of Diamondhead, PO Box 6481, Diamondhead, MS.
An online obituary may be viewed and condolences and photos shared at www.riemannfamily.com