Edward Wallace Austin

Edward Wallace Austin passed away peacefully in San Antonio, Texas on January 17, 2007, at the age of 95. He was born April 23, 1911 in Gillett, Texas, to Lydia Elizabeth McMurray Austin and Edward Lee Austin and is a descendent of Moses Austin, father of Stephen F. Austin. Mr. Austin grew up in San Antonio and attended Main High School. He graduated from the University of Texas where he was awarded BA, MA, and Doctor of Jurisprudence degrees and was a member of the track team. While at the University he married Ann Sims on September 3, 1938. After graduation he continued to be a loyal UT supporter hosting March 2 parties throughout the globe. Upon retirement from the military and his return to Austin, he became involved with the Texas relays where he was a head timer for over 35 years. Mr. Austin began his 30 year US Army career in the 56th Cavalry Brigade at Camp Mabry and held every rank from private to Colonel. In WWII he was commander of the 1377 Engineer Petroleum Distribution Company which provided petroleum products via pipelines to support General Patton’s advance into Germany. He served his country through WWII, the Korean War, Viet Nam, and the Cold War. Mr. Austin represented the Army as a NATO advisor and as the Petroleum Advisor to the Republic of China military forces, participated in the Nuremberg trials, and served as an Associate Professor of Military Science at UT. He retired from the Army as a Colonel at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas in July, 1966. After retiring from the military, he worked for the Texas Rehabilitation Commission as General Counsel and as Assistant Commissioner for Legal Services. After retiring from the Commission, he continued to serve as Administrative Hearing Judge for the State Commission for the Blind and the Texas Rehabilitation Commission and did extensive pro bono work for various state and federal courts. He was a member of the Texas Bar for over 60 years. Mr. Austin was an active member of the University Presbyterian Church since the 1930’s and served as deacon, elder, and as a member of various committees. He and Ann were active members of an extended family group which was a very important aspect of their life. Edward W. Austin was preceded in death by his wife Ann Sims Austin in 2004. He is survived by children Elizabeth Anne Guntharp, Stephen F. Austin, Margaret A. Haggstrom, and Cynthia A. Wilson; grandchildren Courtney Bonacuse, Amy Jacobs, Justin Wilson, Heather Haggstrom and Myai Austin; and great-grandchildren Kyle, Austin , Lauren, and Emma. Graveside services will be held 2:30 Monday, January 22, officiated by Reverend San Williams at the Austin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the University Presbyterian Church, 2203 San Antonio Street, Austin, Texas, 78705. Obituary and guestbook online at wcfish.com