He was born in Odell, Texas on November 30, 1919. His parents were Martin Luther and Ann B. Hayes Burch. Austin grew up around Midland, Texas, and went to Texas A&M University where he received two BS degrees, in Mechanical Engineering and Management Engineering.
He served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the European Theater. He served from November 18, 1943 through March 22, 1946. Austin was a first Lieutenant and received both the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his service. After the war, he worked at Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico, and for the Atomic Energy Commission.
In 1990, he married Hazel Spencer Brummett. They lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico until moving to the Army Retirement Community in 1998.
Austin is survived by his wife, Hazel Burch; son, Wayne Burch in Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughters, Dana Harriman of Pullman, West Virginia, Karen and husband, Alan Kohl of San Antonio and Kathy and husband, Glen Anderson of Nacogdoches, Texas. He will be lovingly remembered and missed.
GRAVESIDE SERVICE
WEDNESDAY
SEPTEMBER 12, 2012
9:30 A.M.
FORT SAM HOUSTON NATIONAL CEMETERY
