EAKIN, EDWIN MURRAY

Surnames:  EAKIN, SLUITER, MESSER, SCOTT, CHESSER, GHOLSON, CAIN, CRENSHAW, CROUT, ENGLISH, FEINSTEIN, GOODMAN, HIGHTOWER, HUDSON, KIRK, MOORE, OVERTON, SEARLES, SMITH, STOELTJE, STOKES.

AUSTIN AMERICAN-STATESMAN
Austin, Texas

EDWIN "ED" MURRAY EAKIN
(Aug. 12, 1927 - Feb. 20, 2002)

  Ed Eakin was born in Chilton, Texas in 1927 and graduated from Baylor University in the 1940's with a bachelor's degree in journalism. He welcomed newcomers to Eakin press, the largest non-academic press in Texas. He encouraged old-timers to recount their Lone Star tales in print. His independent publishing house saved hundreds of Texas stores from going untold. The Texas native worked all over the state, including the Waco News-Tribune, the El Campo news, and the Irving News, then became the co-owner of the Quanah Tribune chief, co-owned numerous newspapers in North Texas and a printing company in Wichita Falls. Ed was spurred by an insatiable desire for history, a love of books and compassion for writers and he seemingly had no plans to retire. His integrity and dedication will always be remembered by his family and colleagues.
   Ed is survived by his wife of 31 years, Charlene Eakin of Austin; son, Benjamin Edward Eakin of Portales, New Mexico; daughter, Judith Yvonne Sluiter and husband, Janis of Amsterdam, Netherlands; step-daughter, Virginia Gayle Messer and husband, Tom of Austin; step-son, Billy Charles Scott and wife, Debbie; sister, Margie Chesser of Fort Worth; grandchildren, Kyle Gholson, Kevin Gholson, Kris Gholson, Ty Scott, Allison Scott and Jeroen Sluiter, He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and other family members. Ed was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and sisters, and son, Michael Eakin.
       The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday,
February 22, 2002 at Cook-Walden Forest Oaks Funeral Home.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, Feb 23, 2002 at the First Baptist church of Austin, 9th and Trinity, with Dr. Roger Paynter officiating.  A graveside service will be in the afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the Chilton Cemetery.  In place of usual remembrances, the family would like donations be made to a public library for the purchase a book.
       Pallbearers were Pat Cain, Charles Crenshaw, Jim Crout, Berry English, Paul Feinstein, Jack Goodman, Jack Hightower, Jack Hudson, Jim Kirk, Joe Moore, Volma Overton, Don Searles, Ted Smith, Mack Stoeltje, and John Stokes.

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