He graduated from Salem High School in 1961 and served in the US Army as an artillery crew member. After being honorably discharged, he constructed cell towers all over the world. His hobbies included flying airplanes and restoring old cars.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Darlene M. Lawrence and three brothers, Robert, Jack and Darrell.
He is survived by his son Sean Austin (Jaime), girlfriend Colleen Bello, granddaughters Alexis Austin (Josh) and Abby Strickler, an aunt and several nieces, nephews and inlaws. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the B-17 Alliance Foundation, Restoration Hangar and Museum, Historic McNary Field Salem Airport, 3278 SE 25th Street, Hangar C, Salem, Oregon, 97302.
The funeral will be held on November 6 at 2pm at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service, 605 Commercial Street SE, Salem, Oregon officiated by Mark Burton.