Frank A . Aten

Frank Albert Aten of Chestertown, MD, passed from this life on Saturday, June 20, 2015, at Heron Point in Chestertown, MD. He was 94. Frank A. Aten was born July 23, 1920, in Burt, IA, the son of the late Rev. Sidney H. Aten and Jennie Leach Aten. Mr. Aten was a 1937 graduate of Delta High School and later attended Iowa State University where he received a Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical Engineering in 1941. That same year he went to work for Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, IL, where he held various management positions in the Chemical Manufacturing Division until his retirement in 1974. From 1968 thru 1973, he was the General Manager of Abbott’s start-up Puerto Rico Complex in Arecibo, PR. Frank and his late wife (Emily) Ruth were married in 1945 and had been married 53 years before her passing in 1998. Prior to moving to Chestertown, Frank and Ruth lived in Southern Pines, NC, where they were avid golfers, and where he enjoyed gardening, woodworking, reading and traveling. Frank had a strong commitment to his faith. He was a lifelong Presbyterian, actively engaged in the church communities in which he lived, often serving as Deacon, Elder and Clerk of Session. While in Southern Pines, he enjoyed going to the local prison and reading to those who were incarcerated. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Irene Larson. Mr. Aten is survived by a daughter, the Rev. Emily Jane Schwenker of Chadds Ford, PA; a son, John E. Aten and wife Wanda of Morristown, TN; three grandchildren, Tina R. Aten of Morristown, TN, Eric A. Aten and wife Jennifer of Morristown, TN, Danielle A. Martin (Schwenker) and husband David of Marlton, NJ; a brother, John E. Aten of Lake Forrest, IL; and a sister, Ethel M. Hansen, of Columbus, OH. Interment will be held Thursday, July 2, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Southern Pines, NC. A service celebrating his life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, 2015, at the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown in Chestertown, MD. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Presbyterian Church of Chestertown, 905 Gateway Drive, Chestertown, MD 21620 or to Meeting Ground Inc., 107 Delaware Ave, Elkton, MD 21921.

Frank A . Aten

July 23, 1920 - June 20, 2015