John William Aten, 78, of Beardstown died March 17, 2016, at his home.John William Aten, 78, of Beardstown died March 17, 2016, at his home.
He was born Feb. 12, 1938, in rural Astoria, a son of Annetta Gain Parker Aten and Merlin John Aten. He married Alta Conner on Jan. 3, 1964, in Beardstown. She survives.
Also surviving are his children, Kathleen “Missie” (and Randy) Aten Taapken and John William (and partner Robyn Nation) Aten III, both of rural Beardstown; and two brothers, Richard E. (and Janet) Aten of Highland and Rodney M. (and Rosemary) Aten of Ipava.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Robert Paul; one nephew; and one niece.
He came to Beardstown as a young man and he was “adopted” by Ed and Olive Southwell Smith. They preceded him in death. He is survived by Sandy Smith Wilcox of Beardstown, Victor (and Nikki) Smith of Frederick, Ruth Smith of California, Marie Smith Bunker of California, Alvin “Burr” Smith of Beardstown and Mary Smith of Indiana.
He farmed for more than 50 years for Hardwick Brothers in Beardstown. He was a plumber and an electrician. He built his own home in 2000.
A celebration was held Sunday at the Elks Club in Beardstown. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Cass-Schuyler Area Hospice, 331 South Main St., Virginia, IL 62691.
Condolences may be sent to www.colwellmemorialhome.com.
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus