Robert Herbert Austin
1923 ~ 2008
Our dad, Robert "Bob" Herbert Austin passed away peacefully at age 84 on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 in Meridian, Idaho surrounded by his five daughters. We think dad missed mom so much he died of a broken heart, having lost her just this past February. Dad was the strength of our lives as we grew up and forever the protector and provider for his family of mostly women, having one son and five daughters.Dad was born September 7, 1923 in Lehi, Utah to Parley Herbert and Martha Marie Worlton Austin. He was taught a very strong work ethic at a young age and spent his life working hard to provide a secure, happy life for all of us.
Dad graduated from Lehi High School in 1941 and met our mom, Gladys Pearl Fairbourne, the following September on his 18th birthday. They were married June 9, 1942 in Malad, Idaho. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in June of 1951. Theirs was a never-ending love story, spanning six decades, two wars, and a life of love and laughter. Mother was his best friend and sweetheart for almost 66 years.
Dad loved America and dedicated a major part of his life in the service of his country, serving in both World War II and Korea. He then made a career with the Idaho National Guard, achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer, Grade 4. He was a decorated war veteran and received military honors because of wounds received in Korea. He taught his children and grandchildren to love America and never to take our freedom for granted.
Dad loved working his farm west of Meridian on Ten Mile Road which he owned for 40 years. The first years we had pigs, milk cows, and chickens. Later Dad enjoyed raising polled Herefords.
Dad enjoyed the beauties of being outdoors and we often went camping up in the Sawtooth Mountain range, where Dad would make us his famous sourdough pancakes with homemade jam.
Dad's talent was leadership and organizational skills which he used in work, home and church. He was an active member of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving as Elders Quorum President, High Priest Group Leader, Executive Secretary, and other callings. He taught us to work hard and earn our place on earth.
Dad is survived by his son, Robert L. Austin (Cheryl) of Fairbanks, Alaska; and his five daughters, Tannya (Raymond) Poe of Pocatello, Idaho; Ilene (Rex) Mecham of South Jordan, Utah; Virginia (Steve) Greathouse of Portland, Oregon; Catherine (Kevin) King of Meridian, Idaho; and Chris (Shawn) Avery of Meridian, Idaho. He is also survived by his sisters, Carollee (Jack) Tew of North Salt Lake, Utah; and Beth West of West Valley City, Utah; 29 grandchildren; and 27 great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gladys Pearl Fairbourne Austin; by his parents; by his brother, Eugene Worlton Austin; by two sons-in-law, John R. Mills and
Raymond J. Adams; and by one grandson, Tim Austin.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Sat., April 19th at the Meridian Cherry Lane LDS Chapel, 1615 West 2nd Street in Meridian, Idaho. Friends may call to visit with the family on Fri., April 18th from 6-8 p.m. at Relyea Funeral Chapel, 318 N. Latah in Boise, Idaho and from 10:30 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. at the church on Sat. prior to the services. A brief graveside service and dedicatory prayer will be held on Monday, April 21st at 12 noon at the Lehi City Cemetery, 1100 N. 400 E. in Lehi, Utah.
Daddy, we love you and miss you and will forever be grateful for the life you provided for us. www.relyeafuneralchapel.com