Frederick Austin

Frederick Lawrence (Fred) Austin, 97, of Evansville IN, passed on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. He was in hospice care at Ascension St Vincent Hospital. He lived an abundant life which included his life-long soul mate, Jane Louise (Lanoux) Austin and their two daughters that brought him seven grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Fred was born in Princeton IN to Dewey and Amelia Austin. He played basketball for - and graduated from - Lynnville High School. He came to Evansville to locate work but also found Jane. He worked at General Electric Supply Company for 43 years in sales and as manager of the Evansville operation.

In 1948, Fred joined the Army Reserve 845 Signal Supply Company, retiring in 1955 at the rank of Master Sergeant. He was a member of Reed Lodge 32 Degree Mason, Scottish Rite and Hadi Shrine. He received his 50-year pin from the Lynnville Lodge. Fred was a long-time member of Washington Avenue Presbyterian Church and Newburgh Presbyterian Church. Recently, he joined Eastminster Presbyterian Church in Evansville.

He and Jane were long-time ballroom dancers in the Evansville Coterie. Subsequent to Jane’s passing in 2003, he picked up the dancing shoes again with long-time girlfriend, Ms Ellen Grimes.

When not found on the dance floor Fred spent his time watching sports: from enjoying the grandchildren’s games; through season tickets with Jane for the U of E Aces; to college and professional sports on TV. At least he enjoyed one Cub season with a “W” flag posted following the season finale. He was an avid bowler and golfer, very proud of his hole-in-one that came in his late 80’s.

Fred was proceeded in death by his wife Jane of 54 years, sisters Marion Hutchinson, Boonville IN, and Georgia Bailey, Newburgh IN, and grandson Scott Wittmer, Naperville IL. He is survived by daughter Michaele Louise (Miki) Wittmer and husband Charles, Darien IL; Cynthia Ann (Cindy) Wright, Evansville IN; and, brother Clyde (Sandy) Austin, Evansville IN. Also downstream from Fred are his six surviving grandchildren: James (Missy) Wright, Plainfield IN; Julie (David) Schaefer, Downers Grove, IL; Thomas (Nicole) Wright, Palatine IL; Josi (Michael) Nino, Bolingbrook, IL; William Wright, Evansville IN; and Benjamin (Theresa) Wright, Evansville IN. Fred had 12 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews that were proud to know Fred.

Visitation is at Alexander East Chapel on Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 4:00 to 7:00pm and Wednesday, October 28, 2026 from 9:00 to 11:00am. Funeral services are at 11:00am. Internment follows at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.