Robert Auten

Robert (Beetle) Auten of Concord, passed away on October 14, 2015. He was born October 10, 1933 to the late Robert Banks and Nannie Mae Auten. He was a veteran of the US Army, he was of Methodist faith and he went to play his Field of Dreams.

He played some type of ball most of his life. He loved to coach American Legion and also Little League. He graduated from Hartsell High School, while in school he achieved All-Conference status in all three sport, football, basketball, baseball. While that was his love, he was a referee and umpire in the counties. He played professional baseball for a year with the Washington Senators at Fort Walton Beach, FL. He worked a full time job in Cannon Mills, later in life he worked for Wachovia in Charlotte and still found time for any type of ball. He enjoyed seeing his grandsons play baseball, trying always to tell them how they could be better. He played, coached and was an ACC Referee. He accomplished many things in life, but one of the proudest days was when he was inducted into the 2014 Cabarrus County Sports Hall of Fame. He loved his family, his St. Louis Cardinals and his cat Princie.

The family will receive friends Friday, October 16, 2015 from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm at Hartsell Funeral Home of Concord. The funeral service will start at 3:00 pm in the Chapel. Burial will follow at West Concord cemetery with full military honors.

Beetle leaves to cherish his memory to his loving family, wife, Johnsie Auten of Concord; his daughter, Kim Wray & husband, Eddie of Kannapolis; his son Bobby Auten & wife Karen of Concord; three step-children, Michael Thompson and of Anita of Oakboro, Lynn Ross of Mississippi and Terry Thompson whom is deceased; three grandchildren, Jennifer Fisher & husband BJ, Jason Auten & wife Alisha and Sean Burris; seven step-grandchildren, Jonathan Thompson, Brandon Thompson, Taylor Thompson, Tripp Fish, Ryan Niko, Dustin Ross, Ashley Ross; two great grantchildren, McKenzie Auten, Jake Fisher; brothers, Jimmy Auten & wife Lynda of Concord, Richard Van Auten, whom is deceased; three sisters, Rachel Wyatt of Charlotte, Betty Sides of Concord, Glenda Ramsey of Mt. Pleasant.

The family would like to thank the staff and doctors that cared for him during his stay at Hospice of Cabarrus County, HPCCC, 5002 Hospice Dr., Kannapolis, NC 28081. A special thanks to Pastor Allen Montgomery.

Memorials can be given to New Grace Baptist Church, 1160 Warren Coleman Blvd., Concord, NC 28025.

Hartsell Funeral Home is serving the Auten family.

Online condolences may be made at www.hartsellfh.com