Edward Eugene "Gene" Auten

Edward Eugene “Gene” Auten, 80, of Salisbury died Thursday, July 7, 2011 at his home. Born December 14, 1930 in Cabarrus County, he was the son of the late Robert Taylor Auten and Effie Duggan Auten. He was educated in the Cabarrus County, Salisbury schools and graduated from Boyden High School. Mr. Auten was a veteran of the US Army. Mr. Auten was employed as Parts Manager for City Motor Company from 1964-74, he was co-owner and manager of Corbin Hills Golf Club from 1975 until his retirement in December 1996. He was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, served as an usher and was a former Assistant Superintendent of Sunday School. He served as coach of the St. John’s Lutheran Church Little League team from 1962-74, was an active member of the Harold B. Jarrett American Legion Post #342, an active follower of all Catawba College and Rowan County sports, and was an avid NASCAR fan. Mr. Auten was a member of Wink’s Coffee Club, played on the Cartex Mills Softball team in which he won honors, was an avid golfer an a honorary member of Corbin Hills Golf Club. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Kristen Layne Auten, brother, Robert Auten, and sister-in-law, Mary Ruth VanPoole. Those left to cherish his memory are is wife of 55 years, Becky VanPoole Auten, whom he married December 23, 1956; daughters, Kelly Powlas and husband Barrett of Charlotte, Kim Smyth and husband Duane of Statesville; son, Kevin Auten and wife Jennifer of Salisbury; grandchildren, Dylan Auten, Kristen Powlas, Addie and Molly Smyth; sister-in-law, Gladys VanPoole of Salisbury, serveral nieces and nephews from Ohio and his beloved cat DC. Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 AM – Monday (July 11) at St. John’s Lutheran Church with the Rev. Rhodes Woolly, senior minister and Rev. Wayne Cobb, minister of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Savannah, GA. Interment will follow at Rowan Memorial Park with Military Graveside Rites conducted by the Rowan County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 5-8:00 PM Sunday at the Summersett Funeral Home and at other times the family will be at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church, 200 W. Innes St., Salisbury, NC 28144 or the charity of the donor’s choice.

Edward Eugene "Gene" Auten

December 14, 1930 - July 7, 2011