Larry “Butch” Aten

ESSEX—Larry “Butch” Aten, 67, of Essex, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 15, 2018 at Riverside Medical Center in Kankakee.              Born Dec. 19, 1950 in Charleston, IL, he was the son of John and Kathleen (nee King) Aten. Butch was a veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Vietnam War. During his service he was awarded with the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Metal, Combat Action Ribbon, and a Bronze Star.  He was currently employed with Argonne National Laboratory as a tool and dye maker. He worked on the Essex Volunteer Fire Department and served as the Essex District President. He was a board member at the South Wilmington Sportsman Club and life member of the National Rifle Association.  Butch enjoyed spending time at the club, trapshooting, and most importantly squirrel hunting.  
Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Veronica (nee Kuhar) Aten, who he married Feb. 10, 1970 in Chebanse, IL; one daughter, Lisa Shaw; two grandsons, Dylan Burton and Logan Shaw; one great-granddaughter, Journey Smith; one brother, Lester (Bonnie) Aten; one sister, Elrayna Aten and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  
Visitation will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St.,Braidwood, on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., with a celebration of his life beginning at 1 p.m. Interment with military honors will be in Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood.  
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in his name may be directed to the Essex Volunteer Fire Department.  
For more information and to sign his online guestbook log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find them on Facebook at R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.