Our knowledgeable staff are passionate about providing families guidance and support during the funeral planning process and well after the funeral. Together, we can honor your loved one’s life while beginning your grief journey.

 

 

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Travis & Shanna Toews Funeral Director/Embalmer/Owner
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Leroy & Sharon Toews Funeral Director/Embalmer/Crematory Technician
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Andrea Toews Martin Crematory Manager/Office Support
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Cindra Williams Funeral Director/Embalmer/Pre-Need Counselor
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Blake Beckett Funeral Director/Office Administrator
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Ron Plumb Embalmer
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Donna Garner Receptionist/Funeral Assistant
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Debbie Carter Insurance Counselor/Office Support
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Holly Alexander Grief Share Coordinator
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John Blackmore Funeral Director Apprentice
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Kristin Clonts Office Assistant
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Kenny Mastin Funeral Assistant

Travis & Shanna Toews

Funeral Director/Embalmer/Owner
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Travis is a third generation funeral director born on November 29, 1976 to Leroy & Sharon Toews in Baker, MT.  His maternal grandfather was the founding funeral director in the small town of Baker. With his dad marrying into a family of funeral service, the opportunity came for him to learn about funeral work and he eventually became a licensed funeral director. In 1986, the family left Montana to purchase a funeral home in British Columbia, Canada.& Travis grew up assisting his dad in many facets of the business and hence developed a passion for funeral service at that time. Upon his high school graduation in 1995, Travis returned to the States to attend college in Nampa, ID where he received his bachelor degree in Business Administration. After serving his funeral service apprenticeship there, he attended Mount Hood Community College in Portland, OR where he completed his Mortuary Science degree. Upon graduation in 2001, Travis returned to Baker where he managed the funeral home there for the next 3 years. It was during this time he met his wife, Shanna in Dickinson, ND.

Shanna was born August 19, 1978 to Tim and Del Rae Privratsky. She lived most of her life in Dickinson and attended college locally at Dickinson State University where she majored in Business Admin and Spanish. Shanna loves the culinary arts and especially loves to make yummy desserts! She keeps super busy at home raising their brood of kiddos.

Travis and Shanna were married in June of 2003 and mid-way thru the following year they purchased Coffelt-Bunch Funeral Service in western Montana near Glacier National Park. In 2007, they sold the funeral home and made their way back to Dickinson.  At about this time they began to start their family, Alex (2007), Jared (2009), Annie (2012) and Jace (2015) while Travis was introduced to some other business opportunities. However, he still maintained a strong passion to return to funeral service. In 2013, Travis had the chance to return to work at a local funeral home here in Dickinson where he was employed until the summer of 2016.

It has always been a lifelong dream to own and operate a family run funeral home especially in a community like Sullivan and the surrounding areas. Travis’ parents, Leroy and Sharon Toews will be joining us each fall for part of the year to assist at the funeral home. Faith and family are of utmost importance to the Toews family and they are extremely honored and privileged to continue the level of service and care to the communities that the Eaton family has provided these past generations.

Leroy & Sharon Toews

Funeral Director/Embalmer/Crematory Technician
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Leroy Toews was born in Glasgow, Montana and raised in Lustre, Montana on the family farm.  Leroy graduated from Lustre Bible Academy in Lustre, Montana. Leroy obtained his mortuary degree at Mount Hood Community College in Oregon.  Leroy and his wife, Sharon, have been married for 48 years and have 2 children and 6 grandchildren.  Their son, Travis and his wife Shanna, are the owners of Eaton Funeral Home and their daughter, Andrea, manages the crematory at the funeral home.  For many years, Leroy has worked in the funeral home business. His career started out at Stevenson Funeral Home in Baker, Montana; which was owned by Sharon’s parents, Lee and Gerry Stevenson.  For a few years, Leroy worked at Dahl Funeral Chapel in Billings, Montana.  In 1986, Leroy and Sharon made the decision to move the family to Grand Forks, British Columbia, Canada, where they owned and operated Toews Funeral Home for 20 years.  Leroy and Sharon moved back to Billings, Montana where they retired. 

In 2018, Leroy and Sharon moved to Missouri to be closer to their children and grandchildren.  In his spare time, Leroy likes to listen to the Bible Broadcasting Network, attend gospel music concerts with Sharon, watch western shows, and play table games.  When Leroy reflects on his life, he is grateful for the many opportunities he has experienced.  Becoming a Christian impacted his life and he is thankful for his relationship with the Lord.  He and Sharon attend First Assembly of God in Sullivan and are thankful to be part of that church family.  He has found the Sullivan community to have many great attributes – friendly people, good schools, and many good Christian friends.  While Leroy feels at home in Missouri, he would still like to take a few more trips back to Montana to see family and friends. 

At the funeral home, Leroy helps with various duties – visitations, services, and vehicle maintenance.  .  Each day at the funeral home is different and that is part of the work that Leroy enjoys.  He appreciates the friendliness of the staff and is thankful to be part of a team that shows consideration and kindness to people who are grieving.  Being able to work with his family is truly a blessing at this time in his life. 

Andrea Toews Martin

Crematory Manager/Office Support
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Andrea was born in Baker, Montana and from early childhood grew up British Columbia, Canada.  After graduation, Andrea moved to Oregon and her love grew for whitewater rafting, snow skiing, and hiking in the beautiful backcountry.  During her time there, Andrea worked as a Dental Assistant.  Andrea then moved to Glacier National Park to work at a restaurant there.  She immensely enjoyed her work at the park and the opportunity it offered to meet people from all over the world.  However, her family ties drew her back to Montana, where she could live near her family.  Andrea has two daughters, Maria and Tessa, and she treasures watching them grow up.  It is important to Andrea that she lives near her family as she raises her daughters.  In her spare time, Andrea loves to go explore Missouri's state parks, goes on hikes in the beautiful outdoors, and plans dinner with friends.  Attending First Assembly of God Church in Sullivan is a blessing for Andrea and her girls.  In the coming years, Andrea would enjoy going on a kayak/camping trip, zip-lining, and exploring more of the USA.

Andrea has worked at Eaton Funeral Home for 6 years and she appreciates being able to work alongside her dad and brother on a daily basis.  She is the Crematory Manager and handles the cremation services provided at Eaton Funeral Home.  Andrea values her contribution to help families with cremation care for their loved one. 

Cindra Williams

Funeral Director/Embalmer/Pre-Need Counselor
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Cindra Williams grew up in Sullivan, Missouri.  For 42 years, Cindra has been married to her husband, Cliff.  They have 2 daughters – Melissa, Lindsey, and a foster daughter, Brandy.  Both Cindra and Cliff’s lives are made sweeter by their 10 grandchildren.  Cindra is a faithful member of 1st Assembly of God Church where she enjoys playing the bass guitar and singing.  In her spare time, Cindra loves camping, traveling, and teaching Sunday School.  Being part of the Sullivan community is a blessing; getting to serve many families she already knows at work, being part of a great town that has so much to offer – a small town feeling, kindhearted people, good schools, and our very own hospital. 

Cindra has worked at Eaton Funeral Home for 30 years.  She is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer.  Cindra has recently taken a more part-time role; however she has increased her role in funeral pre-planning.  She also continues her funeral director and embalmer duties.  With more time on her hands, Cindra would like to travel, go on more camping trips, and spend time with her family – especially her grandkids!

Serving families that come to Eaton Funeral Home is part of the work that Cindra loves the most.  She enjoys the relationships that develop with coworkers because it truly makes it feel like family.  It is inspiring to work at a place with a Christian environment and for owners like Travis and Shanna that care about their employees and the families they serve.

Blake Beckett

Funeral Director/Office Administrator
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Blake Beckett grew up in Bourbon, Missouri on the family farm. The farm has cattle, horses, and Brody the Dog (Best Dog Ever) and is a place that Blake loves to spend time.  Blake graduated from Bourbon High School in 2018.  Shortly after high school, Blake moved to Branson to sing at the Presley’s Country Jubilee show.  After almost a year in Branson, Blake felt the Lord calling him back to Sullivan to be part of the leadership team at The Ridge Church.  At The Ridge Church, Blake serves on the worship team and as a young adults life group leader.

Blake’s grandparents were instrumental in his life and the wisdom and lessons they shared with him still impact his life today. Family is important to Blake and he treasures time that he gets to spend with them.  In Blake’s spare time he enjoys singing, playing the piano and guitar, and making memories with his family and friends.

Blake has worked at Eaton Funeral Home since 2020 and has become an integral part of the team.  He obtained his Funeral Director License in 2022.  Blake takes care of administrative paperwork, making arrangements with families, and directing funeral services. 

Serving people in their most tender moments on the hardest day of their lives reminds Blake it is a privilege to care for people that he has known his entire life.  The friendships with coworkers and being able to serve his hometown makes it more than just a job to Blake…it is like being part of a family.  The scripture Romans 12:9 states: “Let love be genuine. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.” Blake strives to live out this scripture in his everyday life by loving each person with genuine love.

Ron Plumb

Embalmer
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Donna Garner

Receptionist/Funeral Assistant
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Donna Garner was born and raised in Miami, Arizona and moved to Sullivan, Missouri in 1963.  In 1967, Donna married Larry Garner and cherished 41 years of marriage until his passing in 2008.  They have 3 children: Angela, Larry Jr, and Alisa.  Donna enjoys making memories with her grandchildren – Kyle, Brady, Curtis, Drew, and Kendrianna.  She is a member of First Assembly of God Church.  When Donna has spare time, she enjoys resale shopping, working on jigsaw puzzles, visiting with family and friends, and traveling on spur of the moment road trips.  At some point in the future, Donna would like to travel to Hawaii and go on a cruise. 

Donna has worked at Eaton Funeral Home since 1987.  At first, she cleaned the 3 funeral homes in Bourbon and Sullivan that were owned by Jim Eaton.  Currently, she assists Holly with the front desk duties of answering the phone and greeting anyone who comes into the funeral home.  Donna serves as a funeral assistant during visitations and services.  She welcomes grieving families and friends with a kind and compassionate heart.  Throughout the years Donna has worked at Eaton Funeral Home, she has treasured the friendships that have developed with her coworkers. 

Debbie Carter

Insurance Counselor/Office Support
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Debbie Carter was born and raised in Georgia.  She met her husband, Glen, while living in Georgia and in 1972 they made their home in Sullivan, Missouri.  Debbie and Glen have been married for 50 years and have one daughter, Kimberly.  They enjoy spending time and making memories with their 15 year old twin granddaughters.  Debbie and Glen have been members of Temple Baptist Church for many years.  When Debbie has free time, she enjoys going to auctions, collecting antiques, and traveling to Georgia and Alaska to see her family.  In the future, Debbie would like to do some traveling to see more of the beauty that makes up the USA.  She would also like to make a trip to Salt Lake City so she can visit family that lives there. 

Debbie has worked at Eaton Funeral Home for 6 years and handles insurance paperwork for the families served here.  She assists the funeral directors with pre-arrangement administrative duties.  When the families come into the funeral home, they are facing some of the hardest days of their lives and Debbie is thankful she can help guide them through the paperwork.  She strives to work in a compassionate way with all families that come to the funeral home.

Holly Alexander

Grief Share Coordinator
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Holly grew up in Eldon, Missouri, but has called Sullivan home for the past 25 years.  After graduating from Eldon High School, Holly attended Southwest Baptist University.  While there, she met her husband Jason Alexander.  For the past 14 years, Holly and Jason have owned Pinemark Inn/Suites in St. Clair, Missouri.  Holly and Jason have 4 children – Landon, Emily, Elijah, and Trevor.  Her church family is an important part of her life and she is a member at Temple Baptist Church.  In her spare time, Holly enjoys traveling to see their kids, spending time with family at the farm and cabin on the Meramec River, taking walks, and working in the yard.  She and Jason love hosting people in their home for Bible studies, visiting, worshipping, and prayer.   Someday, Holly would love to visit the Holy Land with Jason, travel to Montana, and serve alongside their kids in mission work.

Holly has worked at Eaton Funeral Home since the fall of 2020 and has become an important part of what makes Eaton Funeral Home function so well.  Holly is the first person that you will see when you come to the funeral home and she makes everyone feel welcome.  There are many responsibilities that Holly takes care of – receptionist, supporting families who have lost loved ones, administrative work, and GriefShare coordinator.  GriefShare is a program sponsored by the funeral home for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one.  

Working at the funeral home is where Holly can live out her life’s purpose – to love people and share hope with them on the hardest day of their life.  She appreciates the hard work that goes into serving each family that comes to Eaton Funeral Home.  Holly values a workplace that allows her to live out her faith and share the hope of Jesus with those who are going through grief and pain.

 

John Blackmore

Funeral Director Apprentice
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John Blackmore was born in San Bernardino, California and grew up in Newton, Illinois. For 37 years, John has been married to his beloved bride, Laura.  They have 2 sons, Matthew, and Andrew and his wife, Cat.  For 10 years, John and Laura served as missionary church planters in Poitiers, France. Since their move to Sullivan, they have enjoyed becoming part of the community and getting to know their church family.  In John’s spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, being in God’s creation, and doing mission work.  John continues to serve the Lord through International missions – specifically Uganda, Ethiopia, and France.  As John looks forward to the future, he would like to visit the Grand Canyon and have many more grand adventures with his wife and family.

John has worked at Eaton Funeral Home since 2018.  As a Funeral Assistant, John helps with various duties – visitations, services, and vehicle maintenance.  He is the co-leader for GriefShare.  GriefShare is a program sponsored by the funeral home for those who have lost a loved one.  As the funeral home serves grieving families, John is grateful for his faith which enables him to offer hope and support as they work through the loss of their loved one. 

Kristin Clonts

Office Assistant
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Kenny Mastin

Funeral Assistant
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Kenny Mastin was born and raised in St. Clair.  He eventually moved to Sullivan and has called it home for over 60 years.  For 55 wonderful years, Kenny was married to his late wife, Pat.  Together they have 3 children: Dale, Gary, and Charlene.  Kenny has 8 grandkids and 8 great-grandkids.  Kenny is member of Temple Baptist Church and enjoys serving in various areas in the church.  Kenny spends his spare time checking the cows at the farm, riding his motorcycle for relaxation and being part of the Patriot Guard.  Kenny looks forward to visiting Noah’s Ark in Kentucky and Glacier National Park at some point in the future. 

Kenny has worked at Eaton Funeral Home since the spring of 2021.  As the Funeral Assistant, Kenny helps with various duties – visitations, services, and vehicle maintenance.  During this past year of working at the funeral home, Kenny has been able to help people walk through their grief.  With his own personal loss of his wife, he can visit with grieving families and offer comfort in a relatable way.