Dale N. Auten

On Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, Dale Norman Auten, loving husband and devoted father of three children, “slipped the surly bonds of Earth … Put out his hand, and touched the face of God” at the age of 84.

Dale was born on Oct. 22, 1936, in Van Nuys, Calif. Through a co-worker, Ray Lafferty, he developed a passion for airplanes and flying, so in May of 1958, off he went, into the wild blue yonder, joining the United States Air Force to Fly, Fight and Win!

Starting his career as a navigator in the B-52 Stratofortress, he would later successfully complete pilot training and spend much of his career flying the KC-135 Stratotanker. Shortly before pilot training was to commence, he married the love of his life, Karen Huddleston, on Oct. 27, 1962. Any thought of a honeymoon was delayed, due to a mischievous Soviet leader and dangerously close nuclear missiles in Cuba. Duty called!

After a distinguished career of 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, Dale retired in March of 1979, promptly continuing his lifelong passion for flying, working for a time at Flight Safety International preparing candidates to fly the Cessna Citation series of corporate jets. He would eventually leave that position to fly the same aircraft for Weyerhaeuser paper company out of Hot Springs, Ark., retiring from that position on Jan. 4, 2003. He would also later be chosen as the VFW Post 10483, Hot Springs Village, Ark., 2010 Veteran of the Year.

He had a natural way with all things mechanical, a quick wit and inquisitive mind, and most importantly, a kind and forgiving nature.

Dale was preceded in death by his parents and brothers (Frank and Mike). He is survived by his wife, Karen, and his three children, Robert (Suzy), Jeff and Karla (Scott), and by his six amazing grandchildren – Sarah, Chris, Meg, Dana, Dominick and Logan.

The funeral is at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 295 Balearic Road, Hot Springs Village, Ark. A private burial will be held at a later date.