Homer Franklin Austill passed away peacefully at age 81 on July 12, 2011 in Portland, OR surrounded by his family. Homer was born to Homer and Elizabeth Austill on October 8, 1929 in Springfield, Illinois. He grew up in the small town of Sweet Water, which had a population of about 75 people. His father owned the only gas pump and grocery store for miles around. At an early age, Homer understood hard work and took an active role assisting his father in the family businesses.
Upon his graduation from high school, Homer joined the Air force where he became an Airman First Class, stationed in Sacramento, California. He began attending church in Sacramento and this is where he met his future bride, Betty Roberts. They were married in 1952, soon after Homer received orders from the Air force and the newlyweds were transferred to Alaska. They remained there for two years as Homer finished out his service duties.
Homer and Betty soon began to start a family and son Ed was born in 1955, followed by daughter Kathy in 1957. In 1954, He and Betty returned to Sacramento where his father in law found him work at Campbell’s Soup. He held numerous positions within Campbell’s such as a buyer and cafeteria operator. Around this time Homer saw the value of an education and began to attend Sacramento State University and earned a BA in Business graduating with the class of 1961. With that education he became a production accountant the last 15 years of his career with Campbell’s Soup. After 33 dedicated years of service with Campbell’s he retired.
Homer and Betty decided to relocate to the foot hills of Jackson, California. That was then followed by a move to Springfield, Oregon, and in 2003 Homer moved to Portland. The last 6 years of his life he was a resident at Rosewood Retirement Community in Hillsboro. Homer greatly enjoyed his home there and the many friendships he made. Homer was good with his hands and was able to build patios, picnic furniture and maintained the family cars himself. He was a loving and kind father who always made his children feel safe.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to The American Cancer Society. The family would also like to thank Lions Eyebank of Oregon for allowing them to make the wonderful contribution of sight to someone in need.
Homer is survived by Betty; his son, Ed Austill of Sacramento; daughter, Kathy (Dave) Leahy of Portland; two grandchildren, Erin and Sean Leahy both of Portland and 4 great-grandchildren.
Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18