P.O. Box 506, 943 Highway 425 North, Monticello, AR71655

Houston E. Austin, Sr.
May 20, 1927 - December 7, 2010

Houston E. Austin, Sr.

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Rev. Houston E. Austin Sr., age 83 of Monticello, died Dec. 7, 2010, following a brief illness. He was born in 1927 in Snyder, AR to the late Henry Elmer and Lou Ella Slater Austin. A WW II Navy Veteran, he finished boot camp in San Diego, CA on his 17th birthday. One the day of the deployment of his unit, the commanding officer asked for a volunteer to remain stateside for an office position. There were no volunteers, so Austin, being on the top of the list was told to 'fall out'. He remained stateside for the remainder of his military service. He felt a great deal of sadness that his buddies went into harm's way while he remained in the states. This feeling was a great influence later in his life as a Minister. Returning home after his time in service, he was a store manager for Kroger and Safeway stores for a brief time. Feeling God's call into ministry, he was ordained to preach in 1952, serving churches in Pine Bluff, Coy, Keo, Ward, Gould, Camden, Little Rock, McGehee and Dermott, retiring in 1994. In 1980, he purchased a small grocery store south of Monticello for 'retirement' which he never operated, choosing instead to continue servant ministry driving people to doctors appointments, hospitals, and looking for ways to help others. An avid gardener and 'Junk Man', he remained frugal and penny wise to his death. A family graveside service was held Wed. Dec. 8th at Union Ridge Cemetery with the eulogy and service conducted by his son, Hugh. Preceded in death by his parents, 6 sisters, 3 brothers, 1 grandson, and 1 son-in-law, he is survived by his wife, Carrie Stell Austin, 2 daughters, Gloria Gladden (Royce) and Ginger Norris (Keith deceased) both of Monticello, AR and two sons, Houston (Hugh) E. Austin Jr. (Wrenetta) of Conway, AR and David S. Austin (Debbie) of Little Rock, AR, one sister, Elizabeth Hale of Hamburg, AR, 9 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. Memorials may be made to a favorite church or charity. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.

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Visitation
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
4:00-6:00 p.m.
Immanuel Baptist Church
939 Barkada Rd
Monticello, AR  71655
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Interment
Union Ridge Cemetery
Midway Rt Rd
Monticello, AR  71655
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Memorial Contributions
Immanuel Baptist Church
939 Barkada Rd.
Monticello, AR  71655

Condolences(70)

  1. Edwina Walls Mann
    I was sorry to read of Bro. Austin's passing. It made me remember the wonderful days at Coy Baptist Church. May God's peace be with you and the family at this sad time.
  2. Rev. Leslie W. Hoppers
    Rev. Austin was a good man and a friend of mine and a very nice person. My daughter enjoyed good conversations with him at the nursing home where his wife resides.
    God Bless,
    Rev. Leslie W. Hoppers and daughter Sharon Hoppers Barnes
  3. Thackers & David Sawyer
    Our Sympathy to the family.

    The Thackers & David Sawyer
  4. Ann Pistole
    Carrie and family, I am so sorry to read of your loss.
    Thoughts and prayers are with all of you,
    Sincerely, Ann
  5. Rick and Beth Joslin
    To Hugh, Wrenetta and family: We are saddened by your loss. Hugh, I haven't seen you in a number of years and you may not remember me, but we knew each other in England and Pine Bluff and Immanuel Baptist Church. Also, I don't know the exact details, but I believe our fathers worked together at Safeway and were friends while they were in the military. I've never heard anything but kind words about your father. God is by your side, always.
  6. Wynona McNeely Bradley
    So sorry to hear of the death of Houston. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
  7. Tom and Sharon Spurlock
    Ms Carrie, Gloria, Ginger, Hugh, David & families,
    We are saddened to learn of Brother Austin's death, and are confident he is at home with The Father. We are praying for your comfort and peace during this time of personal loss; but still a time of rejoicing! His service in the Lord's work and ministry to our family will never be forgotten.
  8. Gloria Gladden
    Thank you so much to all who are posting to this guest book and sending so many prayers and thoughts our way. I love each one of you and have many special memories. . .

    In addition to the other churches mentioned, I remember him serving at Eygpt, AR while he was a student at Walnut Ridge College, and at Crossett AR. He also helped a dear friend establish a church in Claremore OK.

    Again, my thanks and love to you all -
    Gloria
  9. Beverly (Ridgeway) Underwood
    Carrie and children,I just want to say how sorry I am to hear about Bro. Austin.
    I have such fond memories of having dinner at our house after Church on Sunday's(Ward First Baptist).Sometimes at our house and sometimes at the Cokers,and other within in the Church.I'll never forget those special times.
    He was always such a kind and caring person,he will be greatly missed.
    Love and prayers to the family
  10. Betty & Sue Arnn
    May God's loving hand of grace, love, and peace be upon all of you, especially during this difficult time. Think of another time in the future when you will all be together again with the Prince of Peace, the Lord of Lords, and the King of Kings, whom your father served faithfully for so many years.
  11. Beth Roberts
    He was always one of my favorites since we lived in McGehee. I know without a doubt that he is much at peace now. To the family, please know that I am thinking of you at this time! May God bless you all!
  12. sylvia wheeler
    we are praying for you family during this time
  13. IRMA JAMES
    GINGER ,GLORIA AND FAMILY. SORRY ABOUT THE LOSS OF YOUR DAD. OUT OF TOWN. MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH ALL OF YOU.
  14. larry/janie fuller
    I will really miss Brother Houston. He and I spent many hours at Walmart Coffee area. He was always the most honest, respectful, and God-fearing man I ever knew. He was generous. I knew he helped many people-even driving them to doctors in Little Rock, El Dorado, Pine Bluff and everywhere else. He was proud of his Family and his Church at Dermott. I know God has reserved a special place for him. Larry Fuller
  15. John and Joyce Rogers
    The Austin Family has left many sweet memories with us. All the years you were in Gould at First Baptist were special. God Bless an Comfort each of you.
  16. Angie Collins
    Gloria, I'm so sorry for your loss. Treasure your memories until you see him again in Heaven! I will be praying for you and your family! Love and miss you!
  17. Sandra Walls Carlisle
    Just to let you know we are thinking of you. Rev Austin married Lib & I at Coy Baptist Church in 1958. We had lost track of you and sorry this is the way we have connected with you again. Our prayers are with you.
  18. Peggy Hundley
    It is always hard to lose a parent, we feel that they will be with us forever. Bbut, that is not the order of things. I really do not remember your dad fron the time you lived in Star City but he did leave an outstanding family as his legacy. What a wonderful tribute.
    Please accept my sincere sympathy in yor loss.
    Peggy Hundley
    Llittle Rock Ar
  19. Liz Sandifer Turner
    Sorry for your loss. Mr Austin was a very kind man.
  20. Delbert and Candy Sizemore
    prayers are with your family...may you feel the love of God..
  21. Marcia Lacy
    Hugh so sorry for you and the family. I know you were going to have to make a painful decision, and God answered your prayers. Love you all.
  22. Annette Rogers Haney
    Dear David,Hugh,Gloria and Ginger,
    So sorry for your loss of you Father.I have such great memories of he and Carrie and their time at Keo Baptist Church. The years have flown by since those days but we will all remember the great times together. Love to you all, Annette and Edward Haney
  23. David and Stacy Jordan
    Our prayers are with your family, that you will truly feel God's presence even in your time of grief and loss.
  24. Trinita Newton
    Ms. Ginger, I am so sorry to hear about your dad. My heart goes out to you and your family. May you be comforted during your difficult time.
  25. billy and evelyn valentine
    very saddened to hear of bro.austins,passing.he preached my dads funeral,homer valentine.they were also good friends and like to play dominoes together.god bless the family .
  26. mike and sheila atkinson
    Some of my earliest childhood memories involve Houston Austin. Him smiling and waving to us as he swept off the sidewalk in front of the Kroger store there in Star City. Countless funny memories of our family's spending time together through the years. Houston was 'one of a kind'. He and Carrie were one of my parents closest friends. Ginger, David, Gloria and Hugh we love you and Mother and I are very sorry about you losing your dad. He and my father are together now and sharing old stories. love you, Mike and
    Sheila Atkinson, and (aunt)Virginia Atkinson
  27. Dewayne Woerner
    Hugh
    We are sorry for the loss of your father. Let us know if we can be of any help to you and your family
    Dewayne Woerner
  28. Gillis and Dodie Griffin
    Brother Austin was very special to us and all of the family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
  29. Katherine Robertson
    He was a great friend to our family. We will miss him.
  30. Janice McAllister
    So sorry for your loss. Your dad was a special and wonderful man who will be missed by all. He was an inspiration to those who knew him. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. With love and sympathy. Janice Gladden McAllister
  31. LINDA NOSLER WITH AMERICAN TIRE DIST.
    I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
  32. Ross & Cheri Norris
    Ginger, and all the family, we are so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers!!!
  33. Carnell Proctor
    May God's comfort and peace uphold and sustain each of you as you say your 'earthly good-bye' to Bro. Austin. He was always a joy to visit with, and we appreciated his work in The Ministry.
    May God bless each of you.

    James & Carnell (Knight) Proctor
  34. PAUL AND RENE' FULLER
    HUGH, DAVID AND FAMILY,

    OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WILL BE YOU. IT IS PART OF LIFE BUT YOU NEVER SEEM TO BE READY TO LOSE A LOVED ONE. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING PLEASE LET US KNOW.

    PAUL AND RENE'
  35. Doug & Mike (LRC)
    sorry for your loss
  36. David Dickey
    Very sorry for your loss, you and your family will be in our prayers.
  37. Michael Sherrod
    Sorry for your loss and you are all in our prayers
  38. Ken & Kathy Brents
    Know that we are praying for peace and comfort for your family during this difficult time.
    We love you!

    Ken & Kathy Brents
  39. Tammy Johnson
    Thoughts and Prayers are with you all!
  40. Paige (Hill) Stell
    Ms. Ginger and family,
    Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
    Love, John, Paige, and boys
  41. Larry & Phyllis Norris
    We are thinking of you and will keep you in our prayers.
  42. Sean (Happy) Waters
    Sorry for your loss Hugh .
  43. James and Kathy Berry
    Ginger and Family

    We are sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.

    James and Kathy
  44. Mark Nettles
    May God grant you peace in your time of sorrow.
    God bless.
  45. Kathy Howard Burch
    Ginger,
    So sorry about your dad. You helped me thru my moms passing and I greatly appreciated that. I am here if I can do anything, just let me know, even if it is just to talk.
  46. Harold Cantley
    Sorry to hear about Bro. Huston passing. He was a great friend and servant of the Lord.

    Prayers and blessings
    Harold Cantley
  47. Jeff Patrick
    You are all in our prayers.
  48. Barbara Maxwell
    Ginger, I am so sorry for your loss.
  49. Constance Dodson
    Ginger, thinking about you and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. God bless you all and strengthen you.
  50. Kay Worbington
    Ginger,
    My thoughts & prayers are with you and your family at this sad time!
  51. Cindy Stell Hudgens
    Thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
  52. jim/delane finton
    our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. GOD IS IN PLACE AND IS SOVERIGN.
  53. Rebecca Newton
    Mrs. Ginger, Kristy and Andy,
    We are so sorry about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
  54. Jean Trout
    Ginger, Gloria, Hugh, and David, my heart is breaking for each & everyone of you. I loved Uncle Houston.so much. I know he is having a great reunion in Heaven. Just know my prayers are with all you. LOVE ALWAYS, JEAN
  55. Mary Jones
    Carrie, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
  56. K.T.
    Ginger,Kristy and all family.I am so sorry for your loss,you guys are in my thoughts and prayers always.Love you guys!
  57. Josh & Angie Frost
    Ginger: We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do, please let us know. Love you!
  58. Gene, Pat & Allen Chandler
    We are thinking of you during this difficult time.
  59. Phyllis Slocum Roberts
    My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
  60. Karen Higginbotham
    Bro. Austin will be missed greatly!! I am so sad to hear that he has passed on to a better life.
    I will miss you greatly!! I will miss our talks at the mailbox or helping you pull weeds or moving rocks (again) . You led such an exceptional example to the lives we need to live. The family is in my prayers. God has received an awesome son today!!!
  61. Austin Bro Tire Service
    Hugh & Family
    Your Conway Shop Family would like to express our Deepest Heart Felt Sympathy to you & your family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
    Becky Bradley
    Todd Magar
    Brian Guge
    JR Kelly
    Eric Ramsey
    Charlie Kitchens
    Calvin Holder
    Eddie Ratton
    Andrew Craig
    Drew Barnett
    Darain Hill
  62. Carolyn Howell
    Ginger,
    I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in my prayers.
  63. Billie Jean & Roger Davenport
    You are in our heart, thoughts and prayers.
  64. Patricia &Willis Hale
    uncle Houston will be missed by all that New him and Love him he's gone Home to be with God.
  65. Gloria Wright
    Dear Ginger and family. I read with sorrow, your father's obituary. Please accept my deepest sympathy. I will be praying for you and family.
    Gloria and Joe Wright
  66. phyllis piper
    my family is very sorry to hear that Mr. Auston had passed away our prayers are with Ms. Carrie and the family He will be very well missed God Bless his family
  67. Stephanie Harton
    Andy, I know you were very close to him and I am so sorry for your loss...you and your family are in my prayers.
  68. Pam
    Gloria,

    I am so sorry to hear about your dad. Your family is in my prayers.

    Pam Blann
  69. Barbara McElroy
    To the family, I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Austin. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
  70. Amy Noles
    I know Mr. Houston from taking care of Mrs. Carrie at Monticello Nursing Home. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
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