Dean Auten, 88, of Brunswick, passed away Wednesday, February 11th. Chapman Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family.

A service to celebrate Dean's life, will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, 11:00 am, at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Chip Strickland officiating.  A gathering for family and friends will follow at the home of Elaine Auten.

Dean Garland Auten was born on September 6, 1937, to Frank and Gladys Auten of Cramerton, North Carolina. He earned his B.S. degree in Business Education from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He married Elaine Hyers of Brunswick in 1960. They had three sons: Mark Christopher Auten, Truett Dean Auten, and Lane Putman Auten.

Dean taught school in Shelby, North Carolina, and was the dean of the Business College in Ashboro, North Carolina.

After moving to Brunswick, Dean established the Golden Isles Business College and taught there for eight years. Dean served in the Air National Guard with the 224th unit for six years. He became an independent insurance agent, successfully founding and growing Auten Insurance Services, Inc., into a well-known and respected business in Glynn County. Dean owned and operated Auten Insurance for 44 years. He retired from insurance on his 80th birthday in 2017.

Serving God, community, and others defined Dean's life. He was active in civic organizations such as the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club, and Jaycees. He was a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. His service was exemplified in his ten-year seat in the Georgia General Assembly House of Representatives from 1977 to 1987.

Dean was a member of First United Methodist Church of Brunswick and served as a Sunday School teacher.  Dean enjoyed spending time with his family, who he loved deeply, and taking yearly family vacations to places throughout the world.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Gladys Auten. His brother, Frank Auten; his sister, Pat Pittman; and his son, Mark Christopher Auten. He is survived by his wife, Elaine Auten; sons, Truett Dean Auten ( Sherry Auten), Lane Putman Auten ( Nieves Prieto Tassier Auten). His Brother Steve Auten ( Karen Auten ); his grandchildren, Jonathan Burnem ( Angela Burnem), Dustin Burnem (Ly Burnem), and Amos Dean Auten. His great-grandchildren: Aubrey Burnem, Ryder Burnem, Estelle Burnem, Brianna Dooney, Madeline Dooney, along with several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Georgia Hospice Care for all of the care and support given.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Operation Bed Spread, 1700 Frederica Road, St. Simons island, GA 31522