AUSTIN, STEPHEN R. 1940-2009
Stephen (Steve) Austin, born on the 27th day of June in 1940, our beloved father, husband and brother found his perfect peace on Thursday, June 11th in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Steve passed away on a bright morning after a battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis that was nothing short of heroic. His family was at his side as he peacefully departed this life. Despite the knowledge that Steve is walking with God, he is nevertheless profoundly missed.
Steve was born in Scandia, PA and was the second-youngest of 8 children born to Florence L. Anderson and Raymond L. Austin. After graduating from Bradford High School (Bradford, PA) in 1958, Steve enlisted in the US Army and served his country in Panama. Following his military service, Steve began his lifelong career in sales, first as an associate for the JUJU Newberry's Company in Ohio and Michigan, then subsequently for the May Company in Denver, Colorado. Steve later moved with his family to the Pacific Northwest, continuing his career in Spokane, Washington while living in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. Throughout his career Steve earned countless awards and distinctions for both his productivity and professionalism.
A man of unimpeachable integrity, Steve lived those values he wanted to impart to his children. Steve possessed an unwavering faith in God, always resolute, and this faith was the source of his gratitude for the blessings he received and of the strength that he demonstrated during life's tribulations. Steve's life was enriched throughout his journey by the love shared by his brothers and sisters—this love sustained him always and among his siblings Steve was dearly held by all.
Steve was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Florence Anderson, sister Myra Ascarrunz, brother Harold Austin and his first wife, Kathleen Austin.
Steve is survived by his wife Sharyl and her two daughters, Kami Sanders (Spokane, WA) and Heather Whorley (Boise, ID). Steve is also survived by his three children; Dr. Mark Austin, DDS and wife Melissa (Vancouver, WA), SFC Kevin Austin, US Army (Baltimore, MD) and Abigail Wenig, MA and husband Jason Wenig, MA (Salem, OR). Steve was also blessed with four grandchildren in whom he took great pride, Whitney Austin, Alexandra Wenig, Austin Wenig and Sammy Wenig.
All of those who knew Steve or his family are invited to attend the funeral services, to be held at Prairie Avenue Christian Center in Hayden Lake, Idaho on Saturday, June 20th 2009 at 11am.
Visit Steve's memorial and sign the online guest registry at www.englishfuneralchapel.com
ENGLISH FUNERAL CHAPELS OF COEUR D'ALENE.
Published on 6/19/2009 Spokesman-Review