Donald C. Austin

The Rev. Dr. Donald C. Austin, 79, of Washington, died Monday, February 2, 2026. Rev. Austin was born October 6, 1946, the son of James C. and Eleanor J. Eustice Austin. He was raised in Avenel, N.J., and in the First Presbyterian Church of Avenel. Don graduated from Woodbridge High School in 1964, Westminster College in 1968, Princeton Theological Seminary in 1971, and Pittsburgh Theological Seminary in 1997. He was ordained into ministry in the Presbyterian Church USA July 11, 1971. On October 21, 1995, Don married Sharon K. Byers and became the stepfather to Stephanie Read Campbell and her husband, Kevin. Sharon died in 2022. He is also survived by a sister, Nancy Wyatt (Jeff), a niece, Tamara Wiszniewski; two nephews, Dennis Johnson, and Daniel Zanetti and their children. Don served the First Presbyterian of Galeton from 1971-1978, and Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church from 1978-2016. Don sought to be a prayerful and faithful pastor and encouraged people to look to Jesus. Don volunteered with the Canonsburg Houston Meals on Wheels Program for decades. Don and Sharon enjoyed planting and caring for flowers and vegetables both at Hill Church and their home. They traveled to visit gardens and conservatories throughout the region. They also enjoyed visiting New Orleans and eating at its historic restaurants. Don was an avid baseball follower and a life-long Pittsburgh Pirates fan. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, February 28, in the Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church, 2230 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317, where a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Arrangements have been entrusted to the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342. Donations can be made, in Don's honor, to the Canonsburg Houston Meals on Wheels, 102 N. Main Street, Houston, PA 15342; or Chartiers Hill United Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 2230 Washington Road, Canonsburg, PA 15317. Condolences may be left for the family by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com