Roy Dean Auten

Roy D. Auten, age 92, of Brandon, FL passed away on Saturday, September 7, 2019. He was born on July 13, 1927 in Sheridan, MO, the youngest of eight children born to Mildred (Brogan) and John Floyd Auten.

He was reared on a farm in the Sheridan vicinity and received his elementary and High School education in the Sheridan Consolidated School system. He was active in High School athletics and served as the Senior Class and Student Council President.

Roy enlisted in the Marine Corps upon graduation from High School in June 1945. After basic training, he served in China and received an Honorable discharge in October of 1946 with the rank of Corporal. Upon discharge and at the age of 19 he enrolled in Central Radio & Television School, Kansas City, MO and upon graduation in 1948 accepted employment with Northwest Airlines and later Transocean Airlines and flew as Flight Radio Officer for approximately two years.

In 1950, while employed as a Radio Operator with the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Rolla, MO, he enrolled in the Missouri School of Mines at Rolla, MO. He completed a fully accredited engineering curriculum in four years while working full time, graduation with a B.S. Degree in Civil Engineering in 1954. He is a registered professional engineer in the State of Missouri.

Roy worked for Universal Atlas Cement Company, Hannibal, MO for thirteen years in various management positions including Process Engineer, General Operation Foreman and Supervisor of Operations. While a resident of Hannibal he was active in the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Serving on the Board of Directors and was a deacon in the South Side Christian Church.

He joined Florida Portland Cement Company as Production Superintendent in June 1967. In October of that year he was promoted to Plant Manager, a position he held until January 1, 1972, at which he was promoted to Operations Manager, Southeastern Division, General Portland Cement Company.

Throughout his professional career, Roy has been deeply involved in promoting safety within his areas of responsibility. In 1971, the Tampa plant which he managed had the belt safety record of the 148 plants reporting to the Portland Cement Association. The basis for this performance, the Tampa plant worked more man hours than any other plant without a disabling injury.

Roy was a member of the Tampa Chamber of Commerce and the Horizon Christian Church of Brandon.

Roy Auten was a loving, devoted Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Hero and mentor to so many.

After Roy’s retirement, he enjoyed quality time with his family, working in his yard, classic Country music, rejoicing in his Lord and, last by not least, feeding his Geese every day!

On any given day, you could find Dad singing the Tennessee Waltz or Amazing Grace while tending his yard or “taking things apart” - even if they shouldn’t have been. On the unusual occasion when Dad/Grandpa wasn’t busy with his hands, he was still working.......You see, Dad was quite the practical joker; he stayed quite busy conjuring up his next prank/victims. Rest assured, this did not go without some reciprocation from the family.

To put it lightly, Dad enjoyed being active until the end; he was a true fighter/warrior every minute during his life on earth. In fact, we are convinced that Dad is actively “negotiating” with someone in Heaven every step of his way through the streets of Gold. We rejoice and find comfort in knowing that he is at peace and is surrounded by Mom, Carl & so many loved ones.

We would like to leave you with a few of Dad’s favorite phrases over the years.....

“And that’s how the cow eats the cabbage!”

“You’re plowing a little too close to the cotton!”

“We’re not air conditioning the entire neighborhood!”

“Never you mind!”

“BOO!”

“Money doesn’t grow on trees!”

“Mercy, Mercy”

Survivors include his children, Steven Auten, Dennis Auten, Dale (Vickie) Auten, John (Judy) Auten and Elizabeth (fiancé, Andy Fryslie) Auten; grandchildren, Sarah Buschmann, Brian Auten, Lesley Auten, Victoria Auten-Peaster and Abby Waller and 7 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Reva Auten; son, Carl Auten and 8 siblings.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, September 12, 2019 at Hillsboro Memorial. Visitation will be held two hours prior, from 9:00-11:00 am at the funeral home. Burial will be held in Hillsboro Memorial Gardens.