Fred Manley Lauten, a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, veteran, and entrepreneur, passed away peacefully on April 16, 2025, in Plano, Texas, at the age of 98.
Born on June 28, 1926, in Clawson, Michigan, to Fred Lauten and Grace Manley Lauten, Fred was the third of four siblings. He attended Henry Ford Trade School prior to joining the U.S. Navy. He proudly served his country during World War II, embodying the values of duty and honor that he would carry with him throughout his life.
In 1957, Fred founded Total Air & Heat Company, a business that grew to serve countless families in the community. His entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to excellence helped shape the company into a family legacy, passed down to his son Steve, and later to his grandson Justin.
Fred married the love of his life, Dorothy, and together they built a marriage that spanned nearly 70 beautiful years. They raised two children—Steve, born in 1953, and Elizabeth, born in 1957—and created a family centered on love, faith, and hard work.
A devoted Christian and longtime member of Christ United Methodist Church, Fred was widely admired for his steadfast faith, tireless work ethic, and unwavering commitment to his family. He never missed a milestone—whether it was an awards ceremony, recital, birthday, or graduation, Fred was always there with pride and support. In every sphere of his life—business, home, and church—he led by example, embodying integrity, generosity, and grace in all he did.
Fred had a sweet tooth for Brach’s Jelly Beans and M&M cookies, and he never turned down a visit to Country Burger. That same enthusiasm extended to other areas of his life—he was known for doing thorough research before any purchase or decision, always approaching things with a meticulous plan that reflected his thoughtful nature and enduring curiosity.
Fred was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dorothy Lauten; his daughter, Elizabeth Ratliff; his parents; and his siblings Lois, Ruth, and Hank.
He is survived by his son, Steve Lauten, and Steve’s wife, Janice; and his son-in-law, Alan Ratliff. Fred leaves behind his grandchildren: Justin Lauten (wife, Libby); Rebecca Mendosa (husband, Brandon); Susan Hare (husband, John); and Margie Boyd (husband, Anthony). He is also survived by his great-granddaughters, Lane Mendosa, Juliana Thomas (husband, Mark), and Tressie Kimmel (husband, Nick); great-grandsons, Bryson and Todd Lauten, Charlie Mendosa, Caleb Hare (wife, Lisa-Marie), Luke Boyd (wife, Chandler), and Jacob Boyd (wife, Reagan); and one great-great-granddaughter, Jane Irene Kimmel. He is also survived by many other family members, and dear friends from his longtime homes in Forest Creek Estates and The Legacy Willow Bend.
Fred will be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, and his ever-present notepads filled with to-do lists and ideas. His presence will be deeply missed, but his spirit will live on in the family and community he helped build.
The family will receive friends during a visitation to be held on Tuesday afternoon, April 29, 2025, from 4:00 until 6:00 p.m. Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Christ United Methodist Church, 3101 Coit Road, Plano, Texas 75075. The service will also be live streamed by clicking on the following link: Harvey Milligan Memorial Service. A procession and graveside service will immediately follow at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home/Ridgeview Memorial Park, 2525 Central Expressway North, Allen, Texas 75013. All are invited to attend a reception lunch following the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Fred’s honor to Habitat for Humanity of Collin County.