William Tyler Eakins

August 3, 1939 - September 6, 2013

William Tyler Eakins (The Cookie Man) Bill went home, peacefully to be with his family who had preceded him in death, on 6 September 2013 he was 74 years young. He was born August 3, 1939 to Richard and Madge Eakins. Bill was a devoted husband, brother, son, father, grandfather and friend. He grew up in Sacramento, California, attending schools there and graduated high school in 1957. He attended BYU and then went to work for Keebler Cookie Company where he worked for over 30 years. He married Jeanne Bowns in October 1959 and was later divorced. They had seven children, Steven, William, John, Peter (Sally), David (Nancy), Matthew and Melinda (Jake). He later married Gayla O’Brien in 1997 and immediately loved her children Nichole (Jim), Nathan (Audrey), Aaron (Heather), Brandon (Deanna) and Cody (Lindsey), as well as an adopted daughter Candy Zamora (Chris). They have 41 grandchildren between them. He loved all of his children very much, but his greatest joys were his grandchildren, spending quality time with each of them. He was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all of his life. He was a Sunday school teacher for more than 30 years. His parents, Richard and Madge Eakins, a brother and sister in law, Richard and Ardith Eakins, and two grandchildren Victoria and Katie, preceded Bill in death. He leaves behind his loving wife Gayla, his seven children and five stepchildren mentioned above, a sister Nancy Taylor, Carmichael, California and a brother James Eakins (Jean), Sandy, Utah. Funeral Services will be held at the 6th south chapel, 1105 West 600 South, Orem, Utah, on 12 September 2013 at 11:30 am. Family and friends may visit at the 6th south chapel the evening of 11 September from 6pm to 9pm, and from 9am to 11am prior to services on 12 September. Internment to be held at the Orem, Cemetery.