Duane Austin

June 12, 1922 - February 4, 2013

Duane was born to George William Austin and Hazel Beatrice Cook in Salt Lake City in the

family home. He married Evelena Ruth Merrill on June 28, 1944, but had to leave the next

morning for military boot camp. He died peacefully in his home from congestive heart

failure. The family is indebted to his youngest son, Kelly, who stayed home and cared for dad

during the past three months when his health faded.

Duane graduated from Erving Jr. and South High Schools. After high school, he attended

LDS Business College on a six month schedule of classes, but completed the classes in three

months as that was all the money he had available. He worked for Remington Arms in Salt

Lake City, and later achieved the sharpshooter medal from the army.

He worked at First Security State Bank and later First Security Bank for 39 years as Vice

President in the home Mortgage Department. As he only made loans to clients who were

able to afford the real estate, Duane was always proud of his record of having only 2 or 3

failed mortgage loans over a very long career.

After being drafted into the army for World War II, he was training in a cavalry division in

Oregon, when the army allowed all soldiers to test for officers’ school. Dad took the test

and to the shock of his sergeant, was the only man of 200 soldiers to pass. He was then

transferred Santa Clara University for officers’ training. However, after several months

of training, the War was beginning to wind down, and the officers in training were all

transferred to armored tank divisions in Europe.

In the European conflict Duane served in Britain, France, Belgium, Austria, and Germany. As

was very unusual in those days for a man, when he was in high school and later at the LDS

Business College, he became proficient in short hand and typing. These skills allowed Duane

to accompany military commanders as a secretary to keep up with their paper work. At one

point, the armored tank division to which he was assigned was sent out on maneuvers, but

Duane was needed at headquarters assisting the area colonel. To a man, the tank division

personnel were killed.

Duane had the opportunity to work the Black Market at the end of the War. Officers were

not allowed to trade in the Black Market, but besides his own allotment from the army, he

was able to manage many requests from officers to sell cigarettes, Mickey Mouse watches,

candy bars, and a few other items at huge profits on the Market.

Following retirement from the bank and the death his wife in 1988, he lived a very peaceful

life in his home. He acquired a small parcel of rangeland in Duchesne County which he

greatly enjoyed. He was a fine fisherman and taught all five sons the art of fishing. He was a

true fan of cowboy westerns and spent many days watching old movies. Duane lived a good

life.

He is survived by his five sons: Dennis Duane (Ann)(Hyrum, Utah), Richard Lynn (Donna)

(Sacramento, California), Gary Michael (Grantsville, Utah), Kevin Randy (Teresa)(Dubai, UAR),

Kelly Todd (Salt Lake City, Utah), eight grandchildren, and 9 great grandchildren.

A graveside will be held at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah on Thursday February 7, 2013 at 2:00PM.

Sympathy cards only, no flowers or gifts, may be sent to family home at: Austin Family, 1165

E. 3745 S., Salt Lake City, Utah 84106.