Austin Donald Robert

Austin Donald Robert, 90, went home to be with the Lord on August 30, 2015, at his residence in Portland, Oregon. Austin was born on May 25, 1925, in Normal, Illinois, to his parents: Paul and Muryl (Cable) Robert. Austin attended Bloomington High School in Illinois, and graduated in 1943. He went on to attend Linfield College in McMinnville, and graduated in 1948 with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. On September 4, 1954, Austin married the love of his life, Joan Hare. They were married for 60 years. Austin began working for the Department of Human Services Welfare department, and in 1975 became a branch manager for the Department of Human Services Child welfare division. Austin retired in 1985, and enjoyed 30 wonderful years of retirement.

Austin was a quiet and humble man. He worshiped with the Plymouth Brethren for his whole life. Austin loved the Lord. He was an exemplary husband, father, and friend.

Austin enjoyed listening to music, gardening, reading, and traveling to historical and tropical destinations with Joan. Together, they took many memorable trips.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents; Paul and Muryl, and his brothers; James and Forrest. Austin is survived by his wife; Joan, his brother; Jack, his children; Timothy, Janice, Donald (Jennifer), and Rodney (Cheryl). Austin is also survived by his fourteen grandchildren; Jesse, Katy (Chris), Robby (Sarah), Steve (Jenna), Betsy (Duncan) Megan, Joe, Julia, Nelly, Alyssa, Austin II, Brian, Madeline, and Alden, as well as his two great grandchildren; Powell and Henry. He will be dearly missed.

Funeral Services for Austin will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2015, at 11 am at Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham, followed by a committal service at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Gresham. A luncheon reception will be held at Summerplace Recreation Center. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Cancer Research Institute, www.cancerresearch.org.