Edward Samuel Austin

It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of our dearly loved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Edward Samuel Austin (82). Ed unexpectedly, but peacefully, passed away in his sleep on July 14, 2026.

Born August 11th, 1943, in Washington DC, to Bill and Mildred Austin, Eddie (as he was better known as while growing up) grew up in Bethesda-Chevy Chase, Maryland, sandwiched between his two older brothers, Billy and Bobby, and a younger brother, Jimmy, and his baby sister, Judy. Eddie did well in school, but his athleticism was the highlight. He was a three-letter sportsman for football, baseball, and basketball (he even set a scoring record that took years to beat) at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School (Class of ’61).

Immediately following his high school graduation, Ed enlisted into the United States Marine Corp. He courageously served from 1962-1965 in Vietnam while specializing as a field artillery fire control man, being promoted to Corporal, and earning the Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star. Once his active duty concluded, Ed returned to Maryland, bought himself a 64.5 Ford Mustang Fastback, and drove to California to start his life. Soon after arriving in the South Bay, Ed met and married Judy Buhrman; together they welcomed two daughters, Lisa and Kathy. He worked many years as a construction plumber, a skilled trade that reflected his work ethic and dedication to providing for his family. Outside of work, Ed enjoyed playing slow-pitch ball, participating (and winning) horseshoe tournaments, attending his daughters’ sporting events, and building lifelong friendships at the American Legion and the VFW.

After years of hard work, Ed achieved the goal of retiring at the age of 55. That milestone perfectly coincided with another life-changing event: becoming a grandfather, affectionately known as "Papa." Retirement marked the beginning of the happiest chapter of his life. As Papa, he poured his heart into his family. He treasured every opportunity to babysit, cheer from the sidelines at sporting events, push his grandchildren on the swings, or patiently let his granddaughters style his hair with endless creativity. Ed was very proud of Lisa and Kathy and their children, and he never missed an opportunity to share their accomplishments with others. As they all grew older, he cherished their conversations, celebrated their milestones, and loved watching them become the people they are today.

Baseball season was Ed’s favorite time of year, and he loved cheering on his beloved Los Angeles Dodgers. He also savored his chocolate, took morning walks, always picked up a penny, looked forward to the mail, read his newspaper from cover to cover, loved working on jigsaw puzzles, and was always willing to help friends and neighbors. He shared his witty sense of humor with those around him and spent his days in his favorite Levi’s, a Hawaiian shirt, and his baseball hat, which became his signature look. These little pieces of him are the memories his family and friends will hold close forever.

Ed is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Mildred Austin, and his brothers Bill, Bob, and Jim Austin. He is survived by his children, Lisa Boothe and Kathy Yakubik (Jeff), his grandchildren, Logann and Keelynn Boothe and Zack and Cooper Yakubik, and his sister Judy Goff (Peter).

Though our hearts are heavy with his loss, we are forever grateful for the love, kindness, wisdom, and countless memories he gave us. His legacy will live on in the family he cherished and in everyone whose lives were made better by knowing him.

Ed’s final resting place will be the Los Angeles National Cemetery, where he will be honored as a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran who dedicated a chapter of his life to serving his country.