|
| |
Following an extended stay at Saint Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, we brought Dad home to Midwest City and cared for him during the final three weeks of his life with the gracious assistance of Hospice Quality Care. It"s difficult to say too many nice things about these Angels at Hospice Care who helped Mom and other family members make Dad comfortable during his final time with us.
The last few weeks of Dad"s life were difficult for him to be sure but Dad never failed to continually thank those around him for his care and even joked once that, "I"m just an old man with a health problem". Following this statement he gave us a "thumbs up" sign and smiled.
At age 87, Dad passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at home in Midwest City, OK. Mom, Bill Jr., and a Hospice Nurse were present at his passing. He went peacefully. His passing marked the end of a heroic struggle on his part to stay alive. In the end, though, he simply had nothing more to give and was exhausted from the experience of being ill for such a long time.
Dad was born in Heavener, Oklahoma, to William F Austin (Sr.) and Lillie Ora Austin (King). Dad"s father was a steam locomotive engine mechanic at the roundhouse in Heavener and additionally farmed a small truck garden when he was not working at the roundhouse. Dad"s Mother was a homemaker who had a reputation for benevolence regarding the many men who were riding the trains in search of work and food during the time. Whenever someone would knock on the back door Dad would tell his Mom, "There"s another one of your Angels at the back door"!
Although Dad was fairly knowledgeable about railroad operations his father was insistent that he not choose the railroad as a profession. "Everything"s either hot or heavy", his dad would say. During high school Dad drove a school bus (at age 16!) and worked for a grocer in Heavener, Young"s Mercantile. He had a jacket from Young"s Mercantile that had his name, Bill, embroidered on the front.
Dad was a trombone player in the high school band.
Dad served aboard a Mine Sweeper during WW2 which was stationed in the South Pacific. His ship was hit by a Japanese Kamikaze once but the plane struck his ship too high to cause significant structural damage. On another occasion a Japanese single man submarine fired a torpedo at his ship which was aimed accurately with the exception of the depth at which the torpedo was targeted. The torpedo passed underneath the ship as Dad and his best friend on the ship watched in horror and held hands. His friend said, "I guess this is it for us, Austin".
Following his discharge from the Navy, Dad returned to Heavener and, on a whim, decided to accompany his friend to Tishimingo (Murray State College) to attend school on the GI Bill. Here he met the love of his life, Betty Aday (Austin) in 1946. Mom reports that she was sitting on the lawn with some friends and Dad approached her out of the blue and asked her if she would like to see a movie. She didn"t know who he was but he was wearing his jacket from Young"s Mercantile with the word "Bill" embroidered on it, so she assumed that his name was Bill! They dated exclusively from that time on. Dad and Mom were married in McAlester, OK in 1948 and spend their honeymoon night in the garden spot Fort Smith, Arkansas, and then continued their honeymoon in Hot Springs. Dad sold his trombone to purchase Mom"s engagement ring!
After completing their undergraduate degrees at East Central State College in Ada, Oklahoma Mom and Dad moved to Midwest City in 1950 and began their careers with the Mid-Del School System. Dad would later earn a Masters Degree in Education. Dad was a classroom teacher and assistant Principal in the Mid Del School system from 1950 until 1956. In 1956 he was awarded the Principal position at the newly completed Steed Elementary School and served in that position until 1966. It was this appointment that would serve as the basis for numerous life long friendships and long standing professional relationships. Following his tenure as a Principal, Dad was appointed Assistant Director Of Elementary Instruction and then Director Of Elementary Instruction for the Mid Del School System. He retired from this position in 1990.
Known as "Papa" to family members, Dad was always the spiritual anchor of our family, and will be remembered as the kindest most supportive husband and father that anyone could ask for. The well being of our family today (with respect to three generations) is directly attributable to the family and professional values which Dad instilled in all of us. Dad led by example.
Dad is survived by his loving wife, Betty, two sisters, Reba Bealmer and Gloria Sanders, two sons, seven grandchildren, and numerous great grandchildren. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Mid Del School Foundation (http://www.middelschoolfoundation.org).
Here"s To Bill Austin Written by Pat Odell in 1990 as a gift to Bill upon the occasion of his retirement In Heavener (that"s Heaven with an "er" There was a trombone player who played like a star He was a young man, just beginning his career, Left his Mom and Dad with the usual fear. World War II was under way, So he joined the Navy to save the day. His orders were very specific. "I want you" in the South Pacific. Upon his return, without the aid of computer dating, He met Betty, his "Lady In Waiting". There she stood in all her splendor, Pretty and tall and slender. He never though Murray College would offer so much, Education and marriage"both his lifetime crutch. He has served under every superintendent From Mid-Del"s inception, That"s one reason he is co-honored at this reception. Post elementary was his first assignment Then it was closed due to re-alignment. Taught PE for a year at Westside, Showed the kids how to run, jump, and slide. He and Jack Ogle were a good team Hatching up many an athletic scheme. Moved to Country Estates for four years Became Vice Principal with all of its tears. His job seemed even larger When he became Steed"s first charger. As principal of a brand new school He consistently followed the golden rule. Later he was selected because of his ambition To create the first elementary director"s position. Should you visit with Bill very long You will find that his memory is awfully strong. He will tell you stories of the good times he"s had Some might even be classified as sad. Many stories derived their original spark From his two sons, Billy and Mark. For instance the boat trailer lost at Tenkiller Lake At least he obeyed the law and made no wake. Even his grandchildren have expressed their concerns About the way he backs and turns The truth of the matter began to unravel When on a recent trip they were asked to travel "Has he practiced at all"? came from their lips "If the answer is no don"t invite us on your trips"! Recognized as an avid OU fan he has been a Spotter for the Big Red Clan Always there at his station Even when they"ve been put on probation Is empathy for others is well known His son, before he was grown Owned a rabbit and it died Well, Bill didn"t skin and tan it"s hide No" he put it in his car Drove to Red Rock Canyon" which was very far, Placed it in a grave and laid it in a grave. Now, I ask you, isn"t that compassionate? He encourages and compliments others in his own style Does it so nicely it brings a smile In a staff meeting just the other day A principal had something intelligent to say Bill swiftly came to his defense, Because what he had to say did not make sense Let see If I can remember just how Bill said it He said it in his own incomparable style "Even a blind hog finds an acorn in the woods every once in a while". Into his office came books filled with porn Which had Bill writhing with rage and scorn. Illustrations and drawings you wouldn"t believe, Every single page designed to deceive. When asked what to do about his concern That"s when he originated the term, "Burn baby burn". The books he had burned without hesitation Had been purchased by Pupil Services for sex education! You"ve heard where he"s from and of his patriotic duty You know where he met his blue eyed beauty. You are aware of his service to our school And you know how he"s always lived by, the Golden Rule. You know how he treats even a little rabbit. He has made "compassion" a natural habit. We all know the love he has shown, Both in his work and in his home. Our tribute to you, Bill, is well deserved, From all of us whom you have served. We wish you the very best And may you by God be blessed. We have only one piece of advice to keep you on track Please, Bill, please park where you don"t have to back!
This site may be freely linked, but not duplicated in any way without consent.
All rights reserved! Commercial use of material within this site is prohibited!
© 2000-2024 Oklahoma CemeteriesThe information on this site is provided free for the purpose of researching your genealogy. This material may be freely used by non-commercial entities, for your own research, as long as this message remains on all copied material. The information contained in this site may not be copied to any other site without written "snail-mail" permission. If you wish to have a copy of a donor's material, you must have their permission. All information found on these pages is under copyright of Oklahoma Cemeteries. This is to protect any and all information donated. The original submitter or source of the information will retain their copyright. Unless otherwise stated, any donated material is given to Oklahoma Cemeteries to make it available online. This material will always be available at no cost, it will always remain free to the researcher.