Austin was born on January 11, 1919 in Clarksburg, West Virginia; son of William and Erma Brown. On November 21, 1942 he married Mary Fornash, and they celebrated 58 years together before her death in 2000. He retired from the Navy after serving 20 years as an electrician. His service included time in both World War II and the Korean War.
He was a member of the Congregational Church and served on the board. He spent time volunteering on many church projects. Austin was a member of the Masonic Lodge for 70 years, and was chosen to receive The Hiram Award to honor him for devotion over and above the ordinary.
Austin was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Mary and their son John. He is survived by his son Michael and wife Jo, his four grandchildren (Jennifer English, David, Mark, and Steven Brown), and his nine great grandchildren.