Mr Walter "Walt" Everett Austin

Peoria – Walter E. Austin, 76, of Peoria, IL passed away Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at O.S.F. St. Francis Medical Center. Walt was born July 14, 1935 in Wilmington, IL to George T. and Pearl E. (Howard) Austin. He married Charlotte Hilliard on July 28, 1956 in East Peoria, IL.

Surviving is his wife Charlotte of Peoria, IL, three sons; Michael D. (Phyllis) Austin of Morton, IL, Robert E. (Sharon) Austin of Mansfield, TX, and Timothy S. (Lisa) Austin of Trivoli, IL, five grandchildren; David, Katherine, Nicholas, Matthew, and Lucas, two brothers; Harold Austin of Machesney Park, IL, and Wayne (Thelma) Austin of Woodridge, IL, two sisters; Ruth (Rudy) Trusheim of Urbandale, IA, and Dorothy (Bill) Locke of Wilmington, IL, brother-in-law William Hilliard of Morton, IL, and several nieces and nephews. Walt was preceded in death by his parents and his brother George J. Austin.

Walt was the District Director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency where he worked for forty six years retiring in 2003. He was a 1957 graduate of the University of Illinois. Walt was a forty seven year member of First Baptist Church in Peoria where he served as Moderator, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, and Chairman of the Diaconate Board. Walt was also very involved with the local Masonic lodge for thirty nine years serving as Master of Temple Lodge 46 A.F. & A.M. during 1980. He was also a member of the Mohamed Shrine Temple and the Scottish Rite Valley of Peoria. Walt received many awards from USDA, and was highly regarded for his service and dedication to both the USDA and the farming community.

Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday November 28, 2011 at First Baptist Church in Peoria. Visitation will be from 4 – 7 p.m. Sunday at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria and 9 – 10 a.m. Monday at the church. Interment will be in Fondulac Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Temple Lodge 46 A.F. & A.M. Scholarship Fund, Scottish Rite Valley of Peoria Scholarship Fund, or First Baptist Church of Peoria. Online tributes and condolences may be made at www.Davison-Fulton.com