Hubert Eaton Passes Away

Today in Masonic History Hubert Eaton passes away in 1966.

Hubert Eaton was an American businessman.

Eaton was born in Liberty, Missouri on June 3rd, 1881. After attending local schools, William Jewell College also in Liberty. He graduated in 1902 with a Bachelor of Arts.

After graduation, Eaton became the assistant chief chemist at the Boston & Montana Consolidated Copper Company in Great Falls, Montana. He became chief metallurgical chemist at the Tezuiltan Copper Company of Mexico. He was also the manager of the Adaven Mining & Smelting Company in Nevada.

In 1912, Eaton moved to California to manage the sales of burial plots for Forest Lawn Cemetery. In 1917, he conceived of a "memorial-park" a place respectful of the departed, while still being a place where the living wanted to visit. Forest Lawn Cemetery was renamed to Forest Lawn Memorial-Park in Glendale.

Eaton opened, Hollywood Hills, Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Cypress, and Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Covina Hills. Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Covina Hills became a funeral and/or interment place for the stars. The beautiful chapels Eaton built on the properties also attracted couples looking to be married. Of note, Ronald Reagan married his first wife, Jane Wyman, at the Glendale location.

During Eaton's life he gathered art for his memorial parks. He collected various pieces, gaining a reputation as a serious collector.

Eaton passed away on September 20th, 1966.

Eaton was a member of Euclid Lodge No. 58 in Great Falls, Montana. He was a member of York Rite and a member of the Noble and Mystic Shrine.

This article provided by Brother Eric C. Steele.