Howard M. Auton

MAIDEN - Howard Martin Auton, 67, of East Maiden Road, Maiden, passed away Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, at his residence after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Born July 3, 1941, in Lincoln County, he was the son of the late Giles Martin Auton and the late Dorothy Beal Auton. In addition to his parents, a sister, Nadine Waldrop, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Ann Shaw Auton of the home; one son, Jeff Auton and wife, Gina, of Maiden; one daughter, Shanna Auton Caviness and husband, Kenny, of Maiden; one granddaughter, Sage Auton; one brother, Reid Auton of Lincolnton; and four sisters, Jean Black of Catawba, Vata Leonhardt and Reba Auton of Lincolnton and Sue Kelly of Kings Mountain. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Lawings Chapel Baptist Church in Maiden, with the Revs. Jeff Johnson and Dr. Foyd Bennett officiating. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends tonight, Monday, Nov. 24, 2008, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Burke Mortuary in Maiden. Memorials may be made to Pancreatic Cancer Fund at Pancan.org and/or Hospice of Lincoln County, 107 N. Cedar St., Lincolnton, N.C. 28092. Visit www.burkemortuary.com to share your condolences online. Burke Mortuary in Maiden is serving the Auton family.