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Sherman Lee Austin, 79, of Plainfield, passed peacefully at home on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. He was born on September 10, 1945 to the late Eddie Austin and Delia (Patterson) Austin. Lee was honorably discharged from the Marine Corps for his service in Vietnam where he earned a purple heart. He worked for Chrysler for over 30 years as a machinist. Lee married Emily (Sue) Stanger in 1978 and was a faithful husband and a devoted step-father to four children, Shelly (Dwayne) Christian, Scott (Robin) Clark, William "Billy" Clark, and Becky Smith. Lee enjoyed woodworking, gardening, riding his beloved tractor, was an avid Pepsi lover and had a deep bond with his Dachshunds and Boxers. He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Emily Austin; step-daughter, Rebecca Smith; step-sons, Scott Clark and Billy Clark; brother, Donald Austin; sister, Ruthie Russell. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 6, 2025 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held Monday, July 7, 2025 at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow to Maple Hill Cemetery. Survivors include his step-daughter, Shelly (Dwayne) Christian; sisters, JoAnn Greene, Frankie Zimmerman and Donna Allen; 11 grandchildren in order of age, Joshua Christian, Ryan Clark, Ceanne Shuffitt, Travis Clark, Brittany Miller, Joseph Shuffitt, Kevin Clark, Caitlin Clark, Kiley Christian, Bailey Smith, Emiley Griffin. Lee also had 15 great grandchildren and 3 great, great grandsons.
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