Michael Merle Austen

Michael Merle Austen passed away Monday, October 10 2017 at the age of 65. He was born June 1, 1952 in Fairbury, Nebraska to Wesley Austen and Lillian McGinty Austen, both deceased. He is survived by his wife, Ann Perry Austen; sister, Teresa Hoover (Jim) of Manton Michigan: brother, Wesley Kim Austen (Jean) of Ankeny Iowa: brother, David Austen of North Little Rock, Arkansas and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews. He attended the University of Nebraska getting his degree in Electrical Engineering and went to work for Union Pacific. He retired as a Chief Track Inspector in 2007. He was a collector of anything railroad related as well as stamp collecting. As an active rock and mineral collector he served as President of the Central Arkansas Gem, Mineral and Geology Society. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Ark. 72210-2223 or a charity of your choice. Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Thursday, October 12, 2017 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Arkansas (501) 224-8300. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.