William C. Eakins, 84, of Jackson died Thursday, Sept. 4, 2003, at Missouri Veterans Home in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Dec. 16, 1918, at Poplar Bluff, Mo., son of William Fritz and Lula Huskey Eakins. He and Maxine L. Crites were married Nov. 29, 1939, in Jackson.

Mr. Eakins was a graduate of Jackson High School, and of watchmakers school in Poplar Bluff. He was a jeweler and co-owner of Schwab-Eakins Jewelry Store 32 years, retiring in 1978.

He was a member of Emanuel United Church of Christ in Jackson, 55-year member of Altenthal-Joerns American Legion Post 158, and member of Missouri Jewelers and Watchmakers Association. He was a former Sunday School teacher, former assistant scoutmaster of Troop 11, and a lifetime fisherman.

Mr. Eakins served with the U.S. Army's 81st Cavalry Recon Troop in the Pacific.

Survivors include his wife; three sons, Edward W. Eakins of Cape Girardeau, Roger L. (Donna M.) Eakins and Alan R. (Donna K.) Eakins of Jackson; two granddaughters, Dana (Jeff) Grindstaff and Jenny Eakins; two grandsons, Michael (Amanda) Eakins and Kevin Eakins.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Bernice Cosgrove.

Friends may call at Cracraft-Miller Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Sam Roethemeyer officiating. Burial will be in Russell Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Emanuel United Church of Christ.