Tony Neil Eason

October 26, 1944 – February 8, 2022

Tony Neil Eason was born on October 26, 1944, and lived a full and happy life. His parents were M.C. and Amy (Clarke) Eason and he had one older brother, Bobby Doyle Eason.

Neil graduated from Many High School in Many, Louisiana, in 1962. He attended Louisiana Tech briefly before buying a horse and returning home, where he met his future wife, Ruth Leach, at a late-night movie at the Many Theater.

They married on February 26, 1965, at Ruth’s parents’ house in front of the fireplace. Their spark even set the pastor’s pants on fire during the ceremony. They spent the early years in a rent house in Fisher before moving to Shreveport to start a family. They were married 56 years and had two children together.

As a teenager, one of his first jobs was chopping wood with his brother to power the wood locomotive at the Fisher sawmill. He also dug water wells. He began his career as a custom machinist for oil rigs and quickly became an expert in his field.

Neil enjoyed rocking his overalls, watching old western movies, cracking jokes, eating way too many peanuts, secretly sneaking sweets to satisfy his sweet teeth, and listening to country music in his garage. He also enjoyed calls with his son-in-law and visits from his children and grandchildren, where he always asked for hugs around the neck.

Neil was preceded in death by his parents and brother. He is survived by his wife, Ruth Eason; children Tim Eason, Sharon York and son-in-law Stephen York; grandchildren Tammy Austin and wife Krista Austin, Tony York, Thomas York and fiancé Madison Robert, Tiffany York; and numerous relatives and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2022, at Providence Road Baptist Church at 11708 Providence Road, Shreveport, LA 71129. The family welcomes everyone to attend.