Cadillac - Justin D. "Bob" Aten, passed away on December 11, 2017 at Samaritas Senior Living after a short illness, with his children by his side. He was 92.

Justin Darrel Aten was born August 3, 1925 to Ralph and Mary (Boven) Aten.  He grew up on the family farm east of Falmouth.  As an only child, he spent much of his time playing with the many Aten and Boven cousins.  One cousin, close in age to him, kept calling him "My Bubby" (that's how she said Buddy) because she couldn't say Justin.  Bubby turned into Bobby and the name stuck.  As he grew older, Bobby became, Bob.

As a young man in his 20's, Bob moved to Cadillac where he met Beverly Joan Richards.  They were married on October 23, 1948.  At that time Bob became a truck driver, first working at Cadillac Concrete Pipe and then starting his own trucking business, JD Aten Trucking.  It was later in life when his trucking company had grown and he had numerous drivers working for him named Bob, that's when he started to be known as "JD", instead of Bob.  He continued to drive semi's until he was 80.

When his children were younger and all at home, Bob enjoyed boating and camping trips with his family and friends.  He always enjoyed traveling as long as he could drive.  As the children became older, he taught 3 of the 4 to drive trucks.  Linda was the only one that did not become a truck driver.  After retirement he enjoyed meeting friends at the Kountry Kitchen each day and raising his flock of egg-laying chickens. 

Justin was a member of the First Presbyterian Church for almost 70 years. He remained active in the church up until the time of his death.  He especially enjoyed the noon group lunches.

Justin is survived by his children; Linda (Bob) Durant of Cadillac, Gail (Gerald) Musselman of Manton, Janet (Ken Thomas) Aten of Cadillac, and Tim (Dawn) Aten of Cadillac. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Todd VanHaitsma, Melissa (Rob Milkiewicz) Durant, Rebecca Durant, Christopher (Alisa) Aten, and Travis Aten; great-grandchildren, Victoria, Seth, Austin, Hayley, Ruth, Eve, and Liam.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Beverly, on October 6, 2007, his granddaughter, Danielle Sue in 1982, daughter-in-law, Terrie Aten in 1988, and a brother and sister-in-law, Bill and Marjorie Richards.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church in Cadillac, with visitation one hour prior.  The Rev. Paul Tomlinson will officiate.  Interment will be at Maple Hill Cemetery in the spring.

 Service Information