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Randall Dean Austin

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Provo High School Chadron State College University of Arkansas University of California Los Angeles University of Georgia

Randall Austin Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Dec. 17, 2006.

Randall Dean Austin 1960 ~ 2006 Randall Dean Austin, of Chadron, Nebraska, died peacefully at his sister's home in Salt Lake City on December 12, 2006, of causes related to cancer. Randy was born May 30, 1960 in Seattle, Washington. He was raised there and in Provo, Utah, and graduated from Provo High School. Randy served an LDS mission to Thailand. He received a BS in Political Science from UCLA, an MPA from the University of Georgia, and a PhD in US History from the University of Arkansas. He has been a beloved history professor for 10 years, most recently at Chadron State College in Nebraska. He was awarded the Professor of the Year three times during his career. He also served as a political commentator for Wichita TV stations. Randy was very active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in leadership positions in Alamo, TN; Wichita, KS; and Chadron, NE. Randy's love for travel led him to nearly every continent, motivated by his thirst for historical knowledge and cultural awareness. Never one to sit still, he had a desire to see everything and do everything. Randy loved his family and was known as the "favorite Uncle Randy." Randy is survived by his father, Dean M. Austin, and by three sisters and three brothers: Kathryn (Eben) Visher, (Sacramento, CA); Lawrence Austin (Pleasant Grove, UT); Marjorie (Stephen) Lamb (Salt Lake City, UT); Michael (Robin) Austin (Orem, UT); Mark Austin (Salt Lake City, UT); and Elizabeth (Stephen) Duford (Salem, OR). He is also survived by 34 nieces and nephews. Randy was preceded in death by his mother, Mildred Chandler Austin, and his sister, Marilyn Austin. Funeral services will be held on Monday, December 18, 2006 at 1:30 p.m. at the East Millcreek Stake Center, 3103 E. Craig Drive (3600 S.). Friends and family may visit from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. prior to services. Condolences may be sent to www.holbrookmortuary.com Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery.

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Recent Activity

January 10, 2007

Marvell Sosa posted to the memorial.

January 4, 2007

Gini Johnson posted to the memorial.

January 3, 2007

Gretchen Eick posted to the memorial.

8 Entries

Marvell Sosa

January 10, 2007

Randy I thank God for your life. I thank God for your life having touched me in a most meaningful way. The good that you gave and the love you had in your heart for others will live on for ever. I will always remeber you laughter and your intellegence.

Gini Johnson

January 4, 2007

When Dr. Austin entered our Teaching American History grant as a professor and presenter in Wichita, the teachers immediately responded to him, as an historian, as a person, and most of all as an engaging personality who created such a spirit of inquiry in the classroom. One wonders in times like these why people who make such a difference in the lives of others must suffer, must face the realization that their legacy is cut short, and must leave us when they have so much to give. I will always remember Dr. Austin and wonder why we couldn't enjoy his wondrous intellect for just a little while longer.

Gretchen Eick

January 3, 2007

To Randall's family:
Your son was a blessing to those he worked with and those he met. I teach at Friends in Wichita and while he was teaching at Newman we worked together on occasion and I always knew my students would love taking classes with him. His humor, his outrageous way of communicating and involving those in his presence, and his eccentricities as well as his honesty combined to make him a remarkable, never to be forgotten human being. I recall when he told me that he had had cancer and had a recurrence. He said many of his family members had cancer and he knew it would shorten his life, but that was simply one fact of his life, which would merely enhance the time that he had on this earth by making the days shine more brightly. Randall taught us how to approach life--befriending others along the way, being passionate about history, making connections between people and between past and present. I so regret that his life was so short but celebrate how he used it! May you find solace and support from those in your community and in the knowledge that your son was paid in advance with a life that brimmed over with love and fun.

Myra Sorrell

January 3, 2007

Rest in Sweet Peace, Randall.

Randall was my son's professor at Newman University in Wichita, KS. Dr. Austin made a tremendous impact on a young scholar's life, and still hardly a week or two goes by without a "Randall Story" being shared.

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John Werner

January 3, 2007

Dear Randall,

I can't tell you how much you have brought meaning to my life. You were a great professor, and I will sorely miss you! I loved how you would teach something about church history and get your LDS History and your other Christian History messed up. I still remember the shock on many student face when you mentioned the "City of Enoch". lol! I loved your witticisms and your constant upbeat attitude. I agree with the Brother from Wichita, you truly are a true representation of Christ on Earth. I'll miss you and can't wait to see you again.
Much love and Devotion,
John Werner
Newman '04

Randall Looking Studious in Wichita

January 3, 2007

Connor Griffith

December 20, 2006

I was shocked to see Bro. Austin's obituary in the Provo newspaper today and saddened that a wonderful man has left us. I served in the Missouri Independence Mission, which took in a great deal of the state of Kansas. I had the privilege of serving in the Harrison Park Ward in Wichita where Randall was a very active member. I remember one night, it happened to be my birthday, and he took us on team-ups to see some people. He found out, in conversation, that it was my birthday and made a special trip to the store for an Apple Pie and Ice Cream---he also bought us dinner at KFC.
I know he is in the sweet presence of Our Father in Heaven and Our Savior Jesus Christ and been freed from the pain of the cancer which he had. I am blessed for having known him. He was an absolute crack up. I remember one other occassion in which Bro. Austin dropped us off at our apartment in Wichita and my companion decided to get into a debate with Bro. Austin about Thermal Energy or something like that. It was hilarious--I sat in the back seat of Bro. Austin's Mitsubishi Lancer and laughed until I cried. God Bless you Brother Austin--Thanks for the memories. Rest In Peace Friend.
With Love:

Duncan Rose

December 18, 2006

To My Dear Friend,
It has been a week since you have gone and I am missing you terribly. I am so grateful for having been able to work with you and talk with you. I have never known anyone like you and I don't think I ever will again. You inspired your students and you inspired your colleagues and the world is a much poorer place with you gone. My dearest wish for you, my friend, is that heaven will be a place where your shirt is always tucked in, your clothes fit perfectly, and everything's on sale. I will remember our dinner in New Orleans forever. Goodbye, Randall.

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