Gordon Mitchell Auton, 78, of Battle Creek, Michigan, passed away on Sunday, September 20, 2015 at home. He was born on December 16, 1936, the son of Randall James (Bud) Auton and Pauline (Mitchell) Anderson.

Gordy is survived by his loving Wife of 58 years, Gwendolyn Ann (Day) Auton; his children, Joel (Maria) Auton, Gregery Byron, Rod (DeAnn) Auton, Faith (Rick) Bentley, Sonja (Brian) Perschbacher; Grandchildren, Jason (Katrina) Auton, Chaunte' Auton, Lyssa (Pat) Howley, Andy (Emily) Perschbacher, Brandon Perschbacher, Kiersten Bentley, Andrea Auton, Noah Perschbacher, Marissa Bentley, Nathan Perschbacher, Alec Bentley, 11 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard (Keeta) Auton; a sister, Toni Jeane Gaines and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and his oldest son, Martin James (Marty) Auton, who filled his heart and he missed every day.

Gordy served in the Coast Guard and was a machine repairman at Eaton Corporation for 17 years before going to General Motors in Lansing for 10 years and later Delco in Kokomo, IN, for another 10 years before retiring in 1999.

He loved to explore and loved his trips with Gwen to the East Coast during the fall. Gordy was a man of many talents. He was an avid photographer, woodworker and especially loved fishing and spending time on the Great Lakes. Everything he did, he did all-in. One thing that brought him joy, especially in recent years, was to hop in the car and drive for hours, finding beautiful places outdoors. Some of his favorite things to photograph were barns, lighthouses, and flowers. He also enjoyed playing cribbage with his family. In his earlier years he took his family of eight and two dogs on many camping adventures-one of the favorites was Lake Gogebic in the Upper Peninsula. Gordy's faith was a rock to him and brought him peace. His faith guided him to a heavy involvement in the Haven of Rest Ministry and he spent many years traveling to the prison in Coldwater to spend time with inmates and conduct jail services. He was the superintendent of Sunday School at Springfield Assembly of God and served his congregation in many capacities over the years.

Gordy was a wonderful man with a heart of gold. He would give anything to be assured that his family had everything they needed and a life full of simple pleasures. He loved to entertain with his quick wit and corny one-liners an on occasion with his harmonica and spoons. Gordy spent many hours these past many years doing dialysis and made many good friends; we are thankful for the care that he received while there.

Visitation will be held at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service, 375 W. Dickman Road, on Friday September 25, 2015 from 10:30 am to 1:00 pm followed by a funeral service at the Baxter Funeral & Cremation Service on Friday, September 25, 2015 at 1:00 pm with Pastor Dale Boyer officiating.

Entombment will take place in the Memorial Park Cemetery.
Donations may be made to Calhoun County Medical Care Facility or to honor Gordy's love of animals to the Humane Society of South Central Michigan.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gordon Mitchell Auton, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.