Carl K. Aten Sr.

Carl Kenneth “Sonny” Aten, Sr., 90, of Hernando, Florida, passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at Florida Citrus Hospital in Inverness, FL. Born at home in Factoryville, Pennsylvania, on December 14, 1935, Carl was the son of the late Carl Brown and Lillian Grannis Aten.

After graduating from Factoryville High School in 1954, Carl began a life guided by hard work, humor, and deep devotion to family. In 1966, he moved with his family to Cocoa, Florida, where he worked for the Gulf Oil Company before purchasing his own Gulf gas station in 1981. Following retirement, Carl, alongside his brother Russell, developed a computer program and later worked for a wood truss company traveling around FL and meeting new people to sell their goods. 

Carl’s greatest pride was his family, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was known for his quick wit, generous heart, and gentle guidance, teaching his loved ones the values of responsibility and kindness. While living in Ohio, he remained deeply active in his church, forming lifelong friendships that became like family.

Carl was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Leona Clearwater Aten, and his brothers, Irvin (survived by his wife, Anna of Nicholson, PA), Richard (survived by his wife Alice of Henderson, Texas), Jerry (survived by his wife, Becky of Harford, PA) and brother-in-law Marty McAndrew of Factoryville. 

He is survived by 4 brothers and 2 sisters, Melvin (Agnes) Aten of Factoryville, Russell (Charlene) Aten of Clearwater Beach, FL, Ronald (Nancy) of Adams Center, NY, Edward (Deb) Aten of Lake Sheridan, PA, Elena (Marty) McAndrew of Factoryville and Tina (Jim) McGurl of Clark's Summit. He is survived by his children Nannette Aten Bayer of Newberry SC, his sons, Carl K. Aten, Jr. (Rose) of Menfi, Italy, Brian Aten (Sabrina) of Beverly Hills, FL and his daughter, Brenda Aten Ryan (Pete) of Jackson, GA.  He is survived by his 16 grandchildren, Henry Tobar (Yesenia), Robert Karl Bayer, Samantha Lynne Bayer, Anthony Aten (Taylor), Andrea Kennedy (Shaun), Alyssa Gander (Jeff), Britany Aten, Kyle Aten (Kelly), Brooke Ally (Ramon), Brianna Perhla (Scott), Kristen Aten, and Sharlotte Castro (Ray), Korey (Sarah) Snowden, Corey Matthew (Danielle) Ryan, Ashley (Stephen) Paladino, and Allison (Delvin) Jordan.  Preceded in death by Granddaughter Jessica Alexandra Schultz, daughter of Nannette.  Also survived by 31 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 11:45 a.m. from Anthony P. Litwin, Jr. Funeral Home in Factoryville, PA, on February 21, 2026, with visitation from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Interment at Factoryville Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials in Carl's name to the Alzheimer's Association on their website at donorservices.alz.org.