William Donald “Bill” Austin, 78, of Arkansas City, passed away Tuesday (May 28, 2019) at his home surrounded by family.
Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. Friday (May 31, 2019) at the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Arkansas City. Burial will follow in the Hope Cemetery. The Reverend David Herald will officiate.
The family will greet friends 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.
Bill was born February 6, 1941, to Donald and Iva (Cunningham) Austin in Arkansas City. He graduated from Arkansas City High School in 1959, and Arkansas City Junior College (Cowley College) in 1962. He married Carolyn Jean Eitzmann on June 22, 1963, in Newkirk, Ok. and made their home in Arkansas City. Bill worked at General Electric for 37 years retiring in November of 2000. Bill was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church serving as a Trustee, Elder and the Arkalalah float committee. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was always willing to lend a hand to those in need.
Bill is survived by his daughter, Gina Riggs and husband Mark; Cary Austin and fiancee Kari Crow, all of Arkansas City; sister-n-law Connie Gray and husband Clarence; four grandchildren, Michael Austin, Amanda Austin and fiancee Jake Smock, Victoria Gayler and husband Travis, Halle Riggs and Ember Crow; six great-grandchildren, Adallyn and Anson Smock, Aiden Catron, Piper, Rebel and Kingsley Gayler; nieces, Kelly and husband Kip Bird; Kim and husband Terry Willits.
Bill was preceded in death by his wife Jean, son, Kevin M. Austin, daughter in law, Debbie Austin, brother, Dennis Austin and his parents.
The family suggests a donations to the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Arkansas City. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.
Arrangements are being made through the Rindt-Erdman Funeral Home and Crematory of Arkansas City.