John Austin

1931 - 2024

LIMA -- John A. Austin, age 92, passed away on June 5, 2024, at 6:50 am, at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay, OH. John was born on November 21, 1931, in Lima, OH, to James T. and Myrtle C. (Plummer) Austin who preceded him in death. On August 1, 1959, he married Irene M. (Reed) Austin who survives in Lima.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his children: Vicki Morris of Lima, OH, Jeff (Tina Roth) Austin, Greg Austin of Lafayette, OH and Phil (Linda Basinger) Austin of Lima, OH, grandsons: Jessy (Stacy) Austin and Michael Dershem. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Tony Kugler and 7 siblings.

John was a 1949 graduate of Lima South High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy serving during the Korean War. John worked for S.S. Kresge and J.C. Penney in sales and then in 1958, he joined the Water Equipment Co. He started in the office doing clerical work and then became the majority stock holder in 1985 and retired on December 31, 2001. Even in retirement, he still did office work as recent as 2018. John was a past member of the VFW in Roundhead and the Allen County Horseshoes Pitchers Association. He was an avid and very competitive bowler and was a sponsor of many bowling teams and leagues in and around the area. In 2015, he was inducted into the Lima Bowling Assoc. Hall of Fame. John loved to put out a garden and collecting coins and stamps. He will be remembered for his story telling.

There will be a funeral service held on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:00 am at the Chiles-Laman Funeral and Cremation Services, Eastside Chapel. Officiating the service will be Pastor David Holbrook. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery in Alger where military honors will be provided by the VFW #1275 and the U.S. Navy.

Friends may visit on Sunday from 2-5 pm and then again on Monday one hour prior to the service, all at the Eastside Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to Veteran's Food Pantry. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.