Gregory Byron Auton

Gregory Byron Auton, 65, from Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Bronson Battle Creek Hospital. He was born on October 7, 1960, to Gordy and Gwen Auton, the third child of six.

Gregory is survived by his siblings, Joel (Maria) Auton, Rod (DeAnn) Auton, Faith (Rick) Bentley, Sonja (Brian) Perschbacher; his nieces and nephews, Jason (Katrina) Auton, Chaunte’ (Julian) Tehann, Lyssa (Patrick) Howley, Andrea (Gator) Graham, Kiersten Bentley, Marissa Bentley, Zoey Bentley, Andy (Emily) Perschbacher, Brandon Perschbacher, Noah (Madeleine) Perschbacher, Nathan Perschbacher, 6 great nieces, 1 great nephew, dear cousins, Steve and Deb Auton, his close friend and roommate for over 20 years, Ron and his loving and constant caregiver, Dee who provided Greg guidance and a loving balm when he was struggling over the years in adult foster care. He is proceeded in death by his father, Gordon Mitchell Auton, his mother, Gwendolyn Ann Auton and his older brother, Martin (Marty) James Auton whose life was taken from him in 1977 while on leave serving in the US Navy at the age of 18-a devastating loss to our family.

Gregory grew up in Battle Creek and attended Battle Creek Central High School. He loved spending time with his family-fishing with Dad, helping Mom with the yard and housecleaning and trips to Mr. Dons, annual tent camping trips to Lake Gogebic with the family, Yahtzee games with Grandma Pauline, celebrating his birthdays with Mom’s Swiss steak, mashed potatoes and German Chocolate Cake, he looked forward to his weekly visit to Horrocks with his brother, Rod that almost always ended up with a really funny story to share, haircuts and celebrations at his sister Faith and brother-in-law Rick’s, care packages from his sister, Sonja and brother-in-law, Brian and the patient and loving medical support that he received from his sister-in-law, DeAnn. He was especially honored to wear his brother Joel’s Navy ring and to honor his brothers Marty and Joel, he had a tattoo of a Naval Anchor on his arm - he was so proud of his brothers’ service. He never missed an opportunity to ask about his nieces and nephews. He had a passion for Wendy’s Chocolate Frosties, Diet Cokes and anything with Ketchup.

Greg is the center of so many family stories that evoke belly laughs-he brought us such joy. His heart was full of love, and he spread it everywhere he went. We are so proud of Greg and the courage that he demonstrated each day as he navigated the immobilizing effects of schizophrenia since the age of 16. Despite this illness, he was a bright light to all he encountered, and his faith was a lifeline that carried him many days.

Gregory spent 50 years in Adult Foster Care and was so fortunate to have loving individuals that deeply cared for his well-being. His family would like to acknowledge the appreciation that we feel for those people that dedicate their lives to helping those that live with mental illness.

We will miss him so much; he was such a blessing, and we are so grateful that he was in our lives. He is finally at peace.

A private internment service will be held in the Memorial Park Chapel. The family would like to invite all that were touched by Greg’s life to join us for a toast at Horrocks on November 4, at 3:30 PM.

Donations may be made to The Mental Health Fund through the Battle Creek Community Foundation.