Anthony Charles “Tony” Eatinger, 26, of Helena, passed away Nov. 9, 2011, after fighting a courageous two-year battle with brain cancer. Tony passed away peacefully with his wife, family and close friends by his side. Tony was born and raised in Helena, where he graduated from Helena High School, and then moved to Billings to obtain a degree in exercise science from Rocky Mountain College.
Tony’s life was full of close friends and family, being raised with his twin sister, Heather, by his Grandpa Chuck, Aunt Cathy and father, Chuck. Tony’s hobbies included camping, fly fishing, watching movies, playing with his dog, Charlee; and spending time with family and friends, but his real passion was for basketball. Known for his defensive tenacity, Tony quickly became a record-setting shot-blocker for the Helena High Bengals. His athletic abilities earned him a basketball scholarship to Rocky Mountain College, where he was a key contributor for the 2009 NAIA Championship team. Tony was known for being outgoing, and for his quick-witted humor and uncanny storytelling skills, which he practiced with countless numbers of friends throughout the years.
Tony met the love of his life, Morgan, growing up in Helena and always stayed in touch with her during the early years of their college careers. Shortly after attending her first year of college, Morgan quickly moved to Billings to start a life with Tony. Morgan and Tony were married in Helena on Dec. 23, 2010, after being together for 3 1/2 years. Morgan was Tony’s rock, standing by him through his initial diagnosis and numerous surgeries, treatments and hospital visits. He will always be remembered as a great husband, friend, grandson, brother, nephew and son, whose infectious smile and ability to make those around him laugh will forever be unmatched.
Thankful for the memories and sharing his life are his wife, Morgan McBride Eatinger; twin sister, Heather Eatinger (JP Racicot); grandpa, Chuck Eatinger; aunt, Cathy (Dave) Wood; father, Chuck Eatinger; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Tony was preceded in death by his grandmother, Christine Kovar Eatinger.
Visitation will be held at Retz Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, Nov. 15, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. A celebration of Tony’s life will begin at 11 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church with a reception to follow the service at the Elks Lodge. Donations are being accepted, under Eatinger, to assist the family with medical costs at Wells Fargo Bank in Helena. To offer condolences to the family or to share a memory of Tony, please visit www.retzfuneralhome.com.
Service Schedule
Service Schedule
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Maren Kirkland says
Heather, Chuck, and Morgan
My heart is breaking for you. I hope you find comfort in one another and hold tight to the memories in which Tony will live on in forever.
My deepest sympathies,
Maren
Donna (Hoyt) Magill says
To the Eatinger family:
Please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of a beloved family member. I knew Christine and Chuck for many years while I was living in Helena. The children may not remember me, but grandfather Chuck can explain. Again accept my thoughts and prayers for you loss.
Berdie Leuwer says
So very sorry to hear of Tony’s passing and for all the heartache and pain associated for all of the family and friends. I’m convinced in my heart that my son, JJ, is at Tony’s side giving an encouraging word. God bless you all. Love, Berdie
Londa Burns says
Cathy, Heather and family
I am truly sorry for your loss. My love and prayers are with you.
Londa
Marlene & Gino Lauretta says
Dear Morgan and family, we are so sorry to hear about Tony’s passing. It doesn’t seem fair or right that such a young man is taken away. We remember watching him play basketball at Helena High and he was a joy to watch. May God give you all comfort, strength and peace. God Bless, Gino and Marlene Lauretta
Jennie Peterson says
For my Best Friend Heather Eatinger, Morgan Eatinger, Chuck, Grandpa and Kathy & the rest of Tony’s family & friends:
My heart breaks for Tony and for all of you. He was such a great person with a good heart. I admire his strength immensely. He will be truly missed by so many and remembered forever. My deepest condolences go out to all of you. I will cherish the memories I have growing up with Heather & Tony forever. Over the years, you have become family to my parents and I… we love you all so very much and we will always be here if you need anything.
Jennie Peterson (“”Pete”” & Debbie Peterson)
jim moyle says
a sunset here is a sunrise there.
Sheri and Joe Sukut says
We loved Tony. May God Bless and comfort you all.
Joe and Sheri Sukut
Barb Hamlin says
My heart goes out to Tony’s family and friends during this difficult time. He was a good friend to my daughter, Tess Ehli (Romero), they shared many precious memories and good times together. May you find peace and comfort in remembering what a fine, kind, special young man Tony was to all lives he touched.
Shylah Blomquist says
Eatingers,
I am sorry to hear about Tony. He will live on in the hearts of those who loved and knew him. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
May God bless you and give you strength.
Shylah
sandra krebs grover says
to my many friends and family..what a remarkable man he had become..i have watched the video of grandmas birthday party where everyone was smiling and in great health..i cherish the memories i hold of my cousin and wish everyone a blessed life as we continue on without him.He left behind many footprints on everyone’s heart..my address is sandra grover 720 n commerce #644 ardmore oklahoma 73401 and the cell is 580-768-5855.
Bill and Kally Dreikosen says
To Tony’s family,
May the Lord comfort you during this most difficult time. Tony was such a great person, we loved him a lot!
May God’s grace be with you today and the days to come while you figure out life without Tony.
Love
The Dreikosen Family
Bill, Kally, Zoee, Peyton, Jordan
Patricia says
Morgan, it was so wonderful to get to know you and Tony. I know we didn’t get to spend a lot of time together, but it was easy to see what wonderful, loving, and giving people you both were! I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts.
Jim Stearns says
Dear Morgan, Heather, Grandpa Chuck, Father Chuck, and Aunt Cathy,
I will always remember Tony as being such a nice person.
My thoughts and prayers are with Tony and with all of you.
May God Bless Us All,
Jim Stearns
Daniel Nilan says
Condolences
Sandra Gross says
So sorry for your loss. Many fond memories of Tony when he attended Bryant school. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. God Bless and take care!!
Sandra Gross
A dear family friend says
My deepest sympathy to the Eatinger family for your great loss. Anthony will surely be missed, but will always be in our hearts. Being a single parent, I commend Chuck Jr. for doing a fine job. I cannot fathom what you must be going through my friend. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family forever.
An Aquaintance says
Chuck Sr., Chuck Jr., Heather and Morgan,
I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one, Tony. You, Chuck Sr and Jr, both can be very proud of the fine young man that he turned out to be.
Tony is now an Angel watching over all of you and no longer suffering. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Katie McLean says
My deepest sympathy and condolences to Tony’s family and friends. Thinking of you during this difficult time.
Katie McLean
b heath says
I am so sorry for your loss. Please know that you are never alone. You can find much comfort in the Holy Scriptures which assures us at Psalms 34:18 that God is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. Please accept my deepest sympathies.