John Alexander Auten Jr.

John Alexander Auten, Jr., 91 of Charlotte passed away on Wednesday December 19th at Huntersville Oaks. John was born September 13, 1921 in Mecklenburg County to John Alexander and Bessie Martin Auten. John’s beloved wife, Catherine Crocker Auten preceded him in death in 2007. He served seven years as President of Mecklenburg County Firemens Association. As former chief of Derita Fire Department, he was very active in organizing and developing the DVFD as well as many other fire departments in Mecklenburg and surrounding counties.. He served two terms as President of N. C. State Firemens Association and was an active leader in the N. C. State Fire Chiefs Association and helped form the N. C. Retired Fire Chiefs Association where he served as President. John owned and operated Morgan Brothers School Supply Corporation 30 years. He was a member of Sugaw Creek Presbyterian Church over 60 years serving as Deacon and Elder. John was a proud 32nd Degree Mason and a member of the Oasis Temple of the Shrine. He loved his family leaving daughters, Jean Stroupe, Rebecca Cato (Tom) and Gwynn Locklear (Vic), seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and a daughter-in-law, Celi Auten. A son John A. Auten, III passed away in 2007. Funeral services will be at 11:00AM Saturday in the chapel of Forest Lawn West Funeral Home, Reverend Phuc Nguyen officiating. Entombment will be in Forest Lawn West Mausoleum. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Funeral Home. Memorials in Johns name may be sent to Shriners Childrens Hospital, %Oasis Temple, 604 Doug Mayes Place, Charlotte, NC, 28262. Offer condolences through www.forestlawnwest.com