Houston E. Austin Sr.

Rev. Houston E. Austin Sr., age 83 of Monticello, died Dec. 7, 2010, following a brief illness. He was born in 1927 in Snyder, Ark. to the late Henry Elmer and Lou Ella Slater Austin. A WW II Navy Veteran, he finished boot camp in San Diego, Calif. on his 17th birthday. On the day of the deployment of his unit, the commanding officer asked for a volunteer to remain stateside for an office position. There were no volunteers, so Austin, being on the top of the list was told to 'fall out'. He remained stateside for the remainder of his military service. He felt a great deal of sadness that his buddies went into harm's way while he remained in the states. This feeling was a great influence later in his life as a Minister. Returning home after his time in service, he was a store manager for Kroger and Safeway stores for a brief time. Feeling God's call into ministry, he was ordained to preach in 1952, serving churches in Pine Bluff, Coy, Keo, Ward, Gould, Camden, Little Rock, McGehee and Dermott, retiring in 1994. In 1980, he purchased a small grocery store south of Monticello for 'retirement' which he never operated, choosing instead to continue servant ministry driving people to doctors appointments, hospitals, and looking for ways to help others. An avid gardener and 'Junk Man', he remained frugal and penny wise to his death. A family graveside service was held Wednesday, Dec. 8 at Union Ridge Cemetery with the eulogy and service conducted by his son, Hugh. Preceded in death by his parents; six sisters; three brothers; one grandson and one son-in-law. He is survived by his wife, Carrie Stell Austin; two daughters, Gloria Gladden (Royce) and Ginger Norris (Keith deceased) both of Monticello, Ark. and two sons, Houston (Hugh) E. Austin Jr. (Wrenetta) of Conway, Ark. and David S. Austin (Debbie) of Little Rock, Ark., one sister, Elizabeth Hale of Hamburg, Ark.; nine grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. Memorials may be made to a favorite church or charity. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.