Clarence William Austin

“Clarence was an Electrician by trade... in about an hour or so he could light up your home.. but in a single moment, he could light up your day with his electric smile”

Clarence William Austin was born in Alexander County on August 28th, 1933 to Nellie (mother) and Partee (father) Austin. He had a modest sized family, just a mere 15 siblings... whom all of which pitched in to keep their family farm operating smoothly.

A little later in life, at Kool Park Pool in the Saint Stephens area, he met the love of his life.. Mrs. Willine Baker Austin. After a 2-year enlistment in the Army, he came home from the Korean War and Married Willine. Together, they raised two children. Their daughter, Melissa Austin Barringer, and son Tim William Austin.

Clarence was a hardworking, kind, and curious man. He was also a very skilled electrician and loved helping people. He and Willine started their company “Austin Electric Company” in the 60’s, which stayed busy week in and week out until their retirement in the early 2000’s.

Somewhere along the way, they found the time to join several clubs and invest time in multiple hobbies. They enjoyed their camping club. Camping also took them all across the united states on an epic motor home adventure that went as far west as Alaska! Another was a square-dancing club, that had them burning up floating dance floors with good looks and stylish footwork! Clarence loved model trains and had a respectable collection and vast appreciation for G-scale sets. They cultivated a healthy garden every year. They were huge believers in family history and annual family reunions. One year, they even made the journey to Caracas, Venezuela. In additional to all of that, there was always a large daily list of honey-do chores for Clarence... which he did with a grand smile. Oftentimes you could catch him wandering around their homestead, and when asked what he was doing, he would raise both eyebrows simultaneously, and with a sly grin he would say, “ohhh juust piddlin’ around”. Really, we all knew he was making Willine the happiest wife in the world, and he was doing labors of love. If you knew one thing about Clarence, it was that he lived to bring joy to his beautiful wife.

Clarence has gone to wire up heaven with the most vibrant electricity, and get it shining bright for all those who survive him. First and fore-most his wife, Willine Baker Austin. His daughter Melissa Austin Barringer and her husband Chris Barringer, son Tim William Austin. His grandchildren Justin Barringer and his wife Billie Barringer, Holly Barringer, Courtney Austin, Cassie Fox, and Maverick Austin. His great grandchildren Dean, Silas, Ashton, and Adam. And all of his friends still in this world.

Funeral services for Clarence will be Sunday, June 25, 2023 at 2:00 pm at St. Stephens Lutheran Church Mo-Synod with Pastor David Ziehr and Pastor Shea Pennington officiating. The family will receive friends prior to service from 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm at the church.

Burial will follow in church cemetery with Military Honors presented.

Pallbearers will be Chris Barringer, Justin Barringer, Billie Barringer, Holly Barringer, Courtney Austin, and Cassie Fox.