Engineer Charles Eakin passes away in Diamondhead; funeral Thursday

CHARLES A “CHARLIE” EAKIN, an engineer who worked for a majority of his career in support of America’s entry into the space race, the landing of men on the moon and the deployment of the Space Shuttle, died peacefully on July 22, 2018, in Diamondhead, MS. He was 95.

CHARLES EAKIN

A New Orleans native, Eakin graduated from Alcee Fortier High School in 1939 and then attended Louisiana State University. He graduated in 1943 with a bachelor’s in science degree in Industrial Education and began his military career in the U.S. Navy almost immediately. He attended the 4th midshipman class at Notre Dame and was commissioned an ensign in January of 1944.

Eakin 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 during World War II. Although he was released from active duty in September of 1945, he remained active in the Naval Reserve, retiring in 1982 with the rank of commander. 

Following the war, Eakin began a civilian career when he joined the New Orleans District Corps of Engineers as a mechanical engineer in 1948. He left that position in 1962 to begin work with the National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) during the period of the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo space missions. He later continued his career as a construction management engineer with the Space Shuttle Task Group. 

Throughout his civilian and military career, Eakin received many awards, certificates of commendation and appreciation, tributes, and honors including the Key to the City of New Orleans from Mayor Ernest “Dutch” Morial.

In more recent retirement years, the Eakins moved to a beautiful home he designed and built in Diamondhead, a favorite getaway from the city where they had owned a condominium since 1970.

Among his many hobbies were vintage gun collecting, coin collecting, and restoring vintage motorcycles and cars.  Eakin also enjoyed flying 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 was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Eakin and his daughter, Suzanne Eakin Vilemont Bruce. He is survived by his son, Charles W. Eakin II (Jenneane) of Biloxi; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation was held at the Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport, MS., on Thursday morning, August 2, 2018. Interment followed immediately at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the SPCA of Diamondhead, PO Box 6481, Diamondhead, MS.