J.F. Austin

Reverend J.F. Austin, 95, passed away surrounded by his family on August 20, 2016 in Oklahoma City, OK. J.F. was born May 9, 1921 in Wilson, OK. to parents John Frank and Leta Eva Austin. He met his sweetheart, Sue Crabtree, in band while attending Southeastern State College, where he received his BA in Education. When J.F. enlisted in the Navy, he attended Notre Dame, where he became an officer and a gentleman of the U.S. Navy. He married Sue on September 25, 1943 in Durant, OK. J.F. went to San Francisco, CA, the following day, to begin serving in the South Pacific, on the USS Lassen, an ammunition ship. He achieved the rank of Lieutenant JG.

Following the war, he taught high school band and math. Despite the joy and success of his teaching career, J.F. felt a calling to the ministry. He received his Masters of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in 1951, and he became an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. He had a genuine love of people, and because of that, he touched many lives.

J.F. loved music, studying the Bible, camping, the outdoors, water sports, gardening, playing games and watching OU and Dallas Cowboys football, Thunder basketball and the Olympics.

J.F. was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 67 years, Sue Austin; sister, Eva Bailey; brother, Marcus Austin; sister-in-law, Frances Redden; brothers-in-law, Judson Bailey and Bill Redden. He is survived by his daughter Leslie Post and husband George of the home; son John Mark Austin and wife Heather of Park Hill, OK; sister, Nora Austin; sister-in-law, Jayne Austin; 6 grandchildren and their spouses; 10 great-grandchildren; 2 nieces; 3 nephews; and numerous family members, friends and dog friends.

A celebration of his life will be 4:00 pm, Sunday, August 28, 2016, at Central Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City.

Memorial donations may be made to:

Goodland Academy, 1216 N. 4200 Road, Hugo, OK 74743

Central Presbyterian Church, 5101 N. May Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73112