Helen Sue Ellen Vannattan Eager, age 73, of Clinton, passed away Friday, July 26, 2019 at Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare, Clinton.  Condolences and fond memories may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com . Funeral service will be on Friday, August 2 at 11am with visitation one hour prior at Northeast Baptist Church, Clinton, Missouri. Interment will follow at Englewood Cemetery, Clinton. The family suggests memorial contributions to be made to the Helen Eager Memorial Fund and may be left in care of the funeral home.

On December 10, 1945 she was born to John and Hester Vannattan of Clinton, Missouri. December 29, 1963 she married her high school sweetheart and lifelong love, James Eager. During their fifty-six years together they had three children, six grandchildren, and seven great grandchildren.

Helen is survived by her husband, Reverend James Eager; three children: one son, Scott and wife Cheryl Eager, two daughters, Regae Eager and Darla Eager; six grandchildren: Branden and wife Anna Eager, Joseph and wife Jill Eager, Kaleb Eager, MaKennah Eager, Jozie and Rylen; five great grandsons: Bryce, Braylen, Bravery, Bram, and Benjamin Eager; two great granddaughters: Ellis and Brynn Eager, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Helen was a committed, supportive, and loving wife first and foremost. She was a dedicated mother who embraced every moment with her children. She especially loved her role as a doting Gama. She had a loving Christian spirit and was a gifted pianist who dedicated most of her life to the Lord's ministry alongside her husband, through music, directing choir, and serving as church secretary. Helen loved to knit and crochet afghans and baby blankets, Birthdays and anniversaries were special to her, never forgetting any of the dates.

After graduating from Clinton High School in 1964 she and James moved to Harrisonville where they were closer to work in Kansas City. When James was called to the Gospel Ministry in 1967 the couple moved to Bolivar to attend Southwest Baptist University. While living on campus they ministered together in two Missouri Baptist churches. Besides taking several classes herself, she worked in the administration offices at the university.

Upon graduation from Southwest Baptist University in 1971 the couple moved to Fort Worth, Texas to attend Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. While in the Fort Worth area Helen continued her skills to raise her three children and support the church ministry as much as possible. She worked as a secretary at St. Luke United Methodist in Haltom City. She began her civil service work for the United States Corps of Engineers; then she was promoted to the executive administration area for the Department of Justice before retiring from the Department of Immigration in Dallas, Texas in order to return to Clinton, Missouri in support of James' pastoral ministry at Northeast Baptist Church in 1997. While at Northeast Baptist Church she used her skills in music as church choir director for several years. She will be remembered and missed by many for her developing of these Christian gifts.

Expressions of appreciation and support can be given through the Helen Eager Memorial Fund at Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, Missouri.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home, Clinton, MO.