Austin, Thomas Edward Obit

Thomas Edward Austin, 83, of Columbia, formerly of East Carondelet, 
died Nov. 9, 2007, in Columbia. He was born Feb. 28, 1924, in Poplar 
Bluff, Mo., the son of the late George and Ida Elizabeth Austin nee Dean, 
who died in 1929; he was raised by his uncle, the late Tom Hampton. He 
was married to Virginia Austin nee Barker for 62 years. Mr. Austin is 
survived by his wife; children Larry E. (Georgia) Austin of Imperial, Mo., 
Carol A (Glenn) Bourndstein of Waterloo, Philip “Pete” (Sandy) Austin 
of St. Louis, Robert “Warren” (Linda) Austin of East Carondelet, and Paul W. 
Austin of Granite City; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and 
other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, aunt 
Sarah Jane Hampton nee Dean, and uncle Tom Hampton. Mr. Austin retired 
from Missouri Pacific Railroad after 30 years as a car man and was a member 
of the Brotherhood of the Railroad. He was a well-known painter, bee keeper, 
butcher and an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of 
World War II and was a member of the American Legion. Visitation and a funeral 
service were at Dashner Funeral Home. He is interred at Valhalla Gardens of 
Memory in Belleville. Memorials may be made to Tip Hospice.