Charles Lemuel Eaker

Charles Lemuel Eaker, 91, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 25, 2026.

Charles was born November 3, 1934, on the Eaker family dairy homestead in Cherryville, North Carolina, to the late Charles Kern Eaker and Ruby Lee Eaker. As a child, Charles moved with his family to Homestead, Florida, where he later graduated from Homestead High School.

Charles attended Appalachian State Teachers College, now Appalachian State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in education. After graduating, he began his career as a science teacher at Bessemer City High School. He continued his education during the summers and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1963.

Charles later left the classroom to work as a chemist for Reeves Brothers in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. He eventually returned to education to join the faculty of Caldwell Community College & Technical Institute. It was there that he spent 28 years teaching biology and sharing his knowledge and love of science with generations of students. In 1972, Charles was recognized as an Outstanding Educator of America for his contributions to higher education.

Charles was also active in his church and community. He was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Lenoir and served as a scout leader, receiving “Scouter of the Year” recognition in 1973. Music was also an important part of his life. One of his most enjoyable activities was singing for 20 years with the Caldwell Men’s Chorus. Charles loved gardening, sailing, woodworking, and traveling with his wife, family, and friends.

Charles and his wife, Linda Boyd Eaker, shared 64 years of marriage. In addition to Linda, those left to cherish his memory include his children, Clinton Eaker (Janet), Kern Eaker (Martina), and Laura Prevo (Mike); grandchildren, Christopher Eaker, Alexander Eaker, Kyle Byrd, Trey Byrd (Sophie), and Jessica Mendez (Cristian); great-granddaughter, Eloise “Ellie” Byrd; his brother, Daniel Eaker; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his stepfathers, Homer Bagwell and Dr. D.O. Wolfenbarger, and his sisters, Verneda Bailey and Marlyn Carpenter.

Charles’s life spanned more than nine decades, and perhaps its clearest measure can be found in the people and things he helped to grow: a loving family, generations of students, beautiful gardens, and the blessed life he shared with his loving wife, Linda.

There will be a Celebration of Life at First United Methodist Church in Lenoir, NC, on October 10 at 1:00 p.m., with hors d’oeuvres afterward.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the CCC&TI Health Sciences Facility Fund in memory of Charles Eaker through the website CCCTI.edu/donate or by mail to P.O. Box 600, Lenoir, NC 28645.