Edgar "Ed" Harry Austin, 88, of Lower Alsace entered eternal rest on Friday, July 11, 2025, at his residence. Born in Reading, PA on December 22,1936, he was a son to the late Walter Austin and Beverly (Wright) Austin. In addition to his parents, Ed was preceded in death by his first wife, June Austin, and his son, Michael Austin.
At just 18 years old, Ed answered the call to serve his country when he enlisted in the United States Army on June 17, 1955. He served honorably until his discharge on March 27, 1957. Returning to civilian life, Ed briefly explored a career as a butcher but soon found his true calling behind the wheel. Following in the footsteps of his uncles and brothers-in-law, he became a bus driver, a career that lasted more than four decades. Much of that time was spent with BARTA (Berks Area Regional Transportation Authority), where he ultimately retired. Throughout his career, Ed’s love for driving extended to instructing new drivers and driving tractor trailers, always embracing the freedom and purpose the road gave him.
A man deeply committed to community and brotherhood, Ed was a 32nd Degree Mason and a proud member of Chandler Lodge Number 227, where he began his Masonic journey as an apprentice on June 24, 1981. He was also active in the Rajah Shrine, serving as President of the Arab Patrol and as a member of the Director’s Staff unit.Ed enjoyed the fellowship at Slammers Bar and the Neversink Rod and Gun Club and was also a proud member of the Oley VFW.
Whether cheering on his beloved Phillies and Steelers, heading out on a hunting trip, or deep sea fishing aboard his boat, Ed embraced life with passion and joy.
Ed was a passionate sports fan who loved cheering for the Phillies and Steelers. Whether on a hunting trip or casting lines on deep sea fishing excursions from his boat, Ed embraced life with enthusiasm and joy, leaving a lasting impression on those who knew him.
Ed's spirit will be carried on by his wife Joyce (Coldren) Austin, his daughter, Sharon Doerrman, and her husband Brian; his stepchildren, Harold Prince and his wife Amy, and Tina Lesher and her husband Harry. He also leaves behind his sister, Sandy Gulko, wife of the late Frank Gulko; his grandchildren Erika Doerrman, Monica Snyder (Tim), Kody Blouch, Samantha Prince, Delaney Prince, and Megan Prince; and great-grandchildren Shylynn, Leland, and Lincoln Snyder, who will carry his memory forward.
A viewing will be held on the evening of Wednesday, July 16, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Auman’s Inc. Funeral Home, 390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606. Masonic funeral honors will be conducted at 7:30 PM during the evening viewing.
A second viewing will take place the following day on Thursday, July 17, from 12:00 to 1:00 PM, followed by a prayer service at 1:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Will Lockhart. Graveside committal with military honors will immediately follow at Forest Hills Memorial Park,390 W. Neversink Rd., Reading, PA 19606.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Ed's memory may be made to Shriners Children's Philadelphia, Attn: Office of Philanthropy , 3551 N. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA 19140
