Mr. Franklin “Frank” Everett Auten, 78, of Clover, SC, passed away Saturday, June 13, 2026 at home. Mr. Auten was born January 25, 1948 in Washington, DC to the late Everett Myers Auten and Sarah Elizabeth Bentley Auten.

He graduated from South Mecklenburg High School, after school he had plans to join the Army like his father. Although physical limitations withheld him from that plan, Frank never missed an opportunity to thank a Veteran for their service. His talents were many and during his service to Ditch Witch and Peterbilt he learned his trade. He would spend several years with his father running the family business, Midget Super Markets, before ultimately finding his happy place at Celanese Celriver Plant where he worked in Acid Recovery. Gaining the nickname MacGyver, he was known to be able to fix almost anything in a pinch. 

He volunteered for the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department for over 30 years as a fire fighter and EMT, where he is still a lifetime member. Frank also joined the Alpine Lodge #208 where he was honored to serve as the lodge Master. He was active in the Shriners club, York Rite, Scotish Rite and Eastern Star of Clover. 

In life he many interests and hobbies including building and showing his steam engine at the Denton Farm Park in North Carolina where his cherished steam engine will be displayed in his memory. He loved trains, rock climbing, snow skiing, stock car racing, skydiving and diving in Bimini. He always had a good story to tell you too. If you had a moment to talk, he had 15 to fill it in. A very kind soul that will be missed. Strong in his faith Frank loved the Lord, later in life he attended Relevant Church.

Survivors are his wife of 17 years, Kay Marie Mabry Auten; daughter Tonya Marie Auten Bennett of Charlotte, NC; sister Kay Auten McGarity (Dwight) of Charlotte, NC; three grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 27, 2026 at M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, 209 N. Main Street, Clover, SC with the Rev. Terry Sartain officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous, PO Box 2407, James A Farley Station, New York, NY 10116-2407, www.contribution.aa.org,  Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, 5620 Oakridge Road, Clover, SC 29710, or Relevant Church, 3020 Kingsburry Road, Clover, SC 29710.  

M. L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home, Clover, SC is serving the family of Mr. Auten.     

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