Gladys Mae Austin

She was born to Robert Royal Park and Helen Emma Iverson Park on October 30, 1925 in Kingman, Kansas. She grew up in the Rio Grande Valley and graduated from Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School. Gladys then worked at Crest Fruit Company as a copywriter for many years until her retirement.

Gladys enjoyed traveling with her husband and family to Canada, Nova Scotia and throughout the United States. She also enjoyed crocheting, camping and spending time at the beach, especially South Padre Island with her family. When the family was together and having fun this is when Gladys was the happiest, she adored her family and they adored her. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who will be missed.

She was an advocate of the Special Olympics and had a fond interest of Texas History and the historical Texas Rangers. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. The Houston Astros have lost a big fan. Gladys moved to Austin 20 years ago to be closer to her family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Glen A. Austin; brothers Lester, Kenneth, Gus, Ralph “Shorty”, and Gene Park; granddaughter Bree Ann Badley; stepson Gregory Austin.

Surviving Gladys are her four children Vern Morelius, Ann and Jim Collins, Barbara Kihnel, and Gary Morelius; grandchildren Michael and Kristen Morelius, Toni Dee and Chad Bowen, Lori Petersen and John, Debbi Gracy, Amy Robinson, Angie and Rich Kendall, Martin Collins and Christina; great-grandchildren Jimmy Tow, Taner Robinson, Dylan Gracy, Ally Petersen, Devin Gracy, Harleigh Robinson, Kristopher Morelius, Greyson Bowen, Amanda Klein, Chelsea Klein and Benjamin Collins.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to The Special Olympics of Texas.

A visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00pm, Thursday, March 4, 2010 at Cook-Walden Funeral Home. Another visitation will be held from 10:00-12:00PM, Saturday, March 6, 2010 at Kriedler Funeral Home, 4000 N. Taylor Rd., McAllen, Texas, 78504. Graveside services will follow at 1:00PM, Saturday at Valley Memorial Garden, McAllen, Texas.