John Littell Eaton Jr.

John Littell Eaton, Jr of Stevensville, MD passed away at University of Maryland Shore Medical Center, Easton Maryland on December 29, 2025, at the age of 89. John was born in the borough of Manhattan, New York on June 12, 1936, the son of John Littell Eaton, Sr. and Marie Ruth (Pooley) Eaton. John studied mechanical engineering at Penn State University. After leaving Penn State he joined Proctor-Silex rising to Manager of Product Development where he remained until 1973. During his time with Proctor-Silex he was instrumental in the design of the first Toaster Oven and “Shot of Steam” iron, and he was credited in their patents. In 1968 he received the SCM-Dwight P Joyce Award for scientific and technical achievement for his work on the toaster line. After leaving Proctor-Silex he began Eaton Yacht Company and Eaton Engineering where he worked in consultation with Proctor-Silex and other heating appliance manufacturers. In 1984 he started Baume Corporation which manufactured infrared heaters used in commercial and industrial equipment. He retired from Baume in 2001, turning over the company to his sons and the company was renamed Quartz Infrared. John continued to consult as needed and the company is now run by his grandson. As an avid boater, John was so proud of his beloved “Sunbeam”, a 50ft 1928 Elco. He was a founding member of the Classic Yacht Club of America and the Port Elco Club. John spent his summers boating on the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River, Hudson River and Dismal Swamp where he instilled his love of wooden boats into his children and grandchildren. John is survived by his wife of almost 25 years, Suzanne Eaton; Daughter, Deborah (Douglas Hannum); Son, John (Mary) Eaton; Daughter-in-law, Gale Eaton; Granddaughters, Katherine (Greg Powell) their children Dean, Abby, Bailey and Caden, Emily Hannum, Ashley (Brian MacLean) Eaton and Helena Eaton; Grandsons, Matthew Eaton and Ryan (Chelsea) Eaton, their children Caroline and Catherine; Suzanne’s sons; Patrick (Tara) Scott, their children Raquelle and Chael and Matthew (Lora) Scott. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn Rakinic and his sister-in-law, Phyllis Eaton along with 4 nieces and their families. John was preceded in death by his parents, his son James Eaton and his brother Bill Eaton. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, 213 N Talbot St, St Michaels MD 21663, https://cbmm.org/donate/ A Celebration of Life will be held January 31, 2026 at 1:00pm at Christ Church Parish 830 Romancoke Road, Stevensville, MD. The service will be followed by a gathering at Christ Church Parish in Shand Hall with light refreshments.

John Littell Eaton Jr.

June 12, 1936 - December 29, 2025