Austin D John

Austin Davis John, 83, of Columbia passed away peacefully at his home on Tuesday, September 16 at 9:25am. He courageously battled cancer for one year. Austin was born west of Ashland, Missouri on June 8, 1931. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gerald and Nelle John (Jones). He attended Ashland Schools and after graduating he served in the United States Air Force in France during the Korean War. When he returned home he went to work for Missouri Telephone Co which later became General Telephone Co. He managed GTE branches in Cameron and Macon, MO and then came back to Columbia in 1965 where he worked until he retired in 1979 after 30 years of service. After retiring from GTE, he worked for the University of Missouri in Residential Life for many years. Austin volunteered at Boone Hospital Center where he brought much joy to patients and families he greeted and escorted throughout the hospital. Austin is survived by his wife Mary Ellen, his children Teri of New Jersey and Mike (Carrie) of Philadelphia, his grandchildren Anna, Nicholas and Trevor, his brother Justin John of Pierpont, his sister Susan (George) Baker of Bolivar and many nieces and nephews. Austin’s friends and family will always remember his sweet smile, his big heart, his kind demeanor and his willingness to help others. He had a warm and welcoming handshake for all he met and always said “have a nice day.” He was greatly loved and will be missed by his family, friends and co-workers. The visitation will be held at Parkade Baptist Church at 2102 N. Garth Ave. from 10am to 12pm on Monday September 22. The funeral service will begin at 12pm. The family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice Advantage at 2620 Forum Blvd., Suite E, Columbia, MO 65203 or Boone Hospital Foundation.