Funeral Services for Frankie Lee Auten, Age 71 of Salem, Arkansas will be held on Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 at The Barker Funeral Home, Salem, Arkansas, beginning at 2:00 PM. Visitation will precede the service, beginning at 1:00 PM. Interment will be in The Salem Cemetery, Salem, Arkansas.
Frankie Lee Auten, 71, of Salem, Arkansas, passed away on May 9, 2026, at Salem, Arkansas. He was born on April 14, 1955, in Batesville, Arkansas, to Frank Elton Auten and Elizabeth Lee (Cook) Auten.
Frankie spent his working years as a heavy equipment operator for the Fulton County Road Department, where he took great pride in his work and the friendships he built along the way. He was known as a hardworking man who always believed in providing for his family and doing the job right.
Frankie loved the simple pleasures in life. One of his favorite places was the back porch he built himself—a place where he could sit, relax, visit with family and friends, and enjoy life. He loved gardening, spending time outdoors, and making people laugh with his quick humor and playful joking around. Frankie had a way of bringing smiles to those around him and will be remembered for his warm heart and easygoing spirit.
Above all, Frankie loved his family deeply. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren brought him endless pride and joy. He was of the Baptist faith and carried that faith throughout his life.
He is survived by his wife, Shelia Auten of Salem, Arkansas; two sons, John Auten (Alisha) of Mobile, Alabama, and Chad Mitchell of Viola, Arkansas; three daughters, Crystal Thornton of Foley, Alabama, Jennifer Auten of Robertsdale, Alabama, and Sarah Creta (Calin) of Lakeview, Arkansas; daughter-in-law, Holly Mitchell of Jonesboro, Arkansas; thirteen grandchildren, Dylan, Chad, Taylor (Damon), Kendal, Hadley, Isaac, Lauren, Hunter, Brian, Destiny, Zach, Christopher, and Baby Boy Hudson on the way; and two great-grandchildren, Carlisle and Liam.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Melissa Auten; and his son, Stanley Mitchell.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Barker Funeral Home in Salem, Arkansas, with Bro. Kevin Auten and Bro. Randy Magar officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Salem Cemetery in Salem, Arkansas.
Pallbearers will be Calin Creta, Nathan Barnett, Hunter Mitchell, Jimmy Hunt, Richard Bishop, Carl Russell, and Butch Ellison. Honorary pallbearers are Isaac Auten, Cory Barnett, and the Fulton County Road Department.
Memorials may be made to the Salem Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 303, Salem, Arkansas 72576.
