William D. Auten

Mr. William Dewey Auten, age 95, of Benton, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022, at his home on South Main.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30, 2022, at the Leffler Funeral Home of Benton, with Rev. Jesse Hinds officiating. Burial will follow in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton. Visitation will be held from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Saturday at the Leffler Funeral Home.

William was born on March 17, 1927, in DuQuoin, Illinois; the son of Dewey Auten and Edith (Weston) Auten. He married the former Easter Risner on April 15, 1950, and she preceded him in death on November 10, 1998.

Mr. Auten was a U.S. Navy Veteran of World War II.

He was the former Principal at Valier and Harrisburg High Schools. He would retire after 27 years as Superintendent of Benton Grade School District #47.

William enjoyed hunting, fishing, all types of technology, but most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Surviving are four children: Debby Cantrell and husband Gary of Benton, IL, Karen Furlow and husband Rodney of Christopher, IL, Brad Auten and wife Leslie of Monticello, IL, Brett Auten and wife Emily of St. Peters, MO; eight grandchildren: Aaron Cantrell (Amy), Kristen Lampley (Chad), Katie Matthews (Cullen), Lily Furlow (John), Adam Auten, Anna Auten, Reid Auten, William Auten; eight great-grandchildren: Lacey Jerkins, Lance Jerkins, Lane Lampley, Luke Lampley, Kanon Cantrell, Kash Cantrell, Harrison Matthews, Amelia Matthews; a brother Kenneth Auten of Downers Grove, IL; a sister Mary Ann Downs and husband Si of Mount Jackson, VA; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; a son William Brian Auten; two brothers: Hiram and Robert Auten.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Public Library and will be accepted at the funeral home.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Mr. Auten, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com

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