Terry L. Eaton

Terry Lynn Eaton, 83, of Carmel, IN passed away on June 12, 2026. Born on August 19, 1942, in Dayton, OH to Floyd H. Eaton and Maribess I. Rogers. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jeri Ellen Eaton of 60 years. He graduated from Miami University of Ohio, MBA in Economics and Ohio University, BA in Economics.

He began his real estate career in 1966 with The Shell Oil Company as a District Real Estate Manager. In 1972, he founded a real estate development company, Gull Harbour Investments, in Grand Rapids, MI, developing commercial retail shopping centers. In 1976, the company evolved into Ernst/Eaton & Associates in Indianapolis, IN. In 1977, he founded Eaton & Lauth Real Estate Services (now Lauth Property Group) expanding into office, industrial, business, park, build to suit and apartment development. The company served as its own general contractor and construction manager building developments on a national level. He retired from Eaton & Lauth in 1995. In 1996, he founded Eaton Investments, Ltd., Chairman, which was active until 2008 in residential real estate development. His real estate affiliations include BOMA, ICSC, Urban Land Institute and WPOA President and Co-Chair of Arch Committee.

He was actively involved in his community as a Butler University Trustee, MetroBank Founder and Chairman, Meridian Hills Country Club President (2001), Highland Country Club Board Member, Harbour Trees Golf Club Board Member, The Columbia Club, The Bridgewater Country Club, Macatawa Yacht Club (MI), Meridian Street United Methodist Church Trustee, and

Phi Delta Theta House Corporation Manager and Treasurer.

Additionally, he was involved with WFYI,

The Boy Scouts, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis Land Use Committee, The American Cancer Society, Society to Prevent Blindness, Winterwood Homeowners Association President and North Harbour Homeowners Association Board.

Terry had a passion for golf, sailing and skiing. A car enthusiast, he owned 85 cars in his lifetime and owned several Harley Davidson Motorcycles.

He cherished spending time with his family and grandchildren. Surviving family members include daughter Buffe Challand (Jason), Lauren Challand (granddaughter), Jake Challand (grandson), Barbara Schoenecke (sister) and family and Judy Turner (sister-in-law) and family.

Memorial Services will be held for immediate family and local friends on Friday, June 26 with a viewing at 12:30 p.m. and services at 1:30 p.m. at Newcomer Funeral Home in Dayton, OH.