Dr. Herbert W. Austin (101) of Effingham

Dr. Herbert W. Austin, 101, of Effingham, IL, passed away ­­­­­­­­­on Monday, April 20, 2020 at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

Private family services will be held at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham, IL. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. A public celebration will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made in memory of Herbert to the First Baptist Church, 213 W. Fayette Avenue, Effingham, IL 62401 or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here. 

Mr. Austin was born May 5, 1918 in Effingham County, IL, the son of George T. and Della J. (Brooks) Austin. He married Ethel K. Kirby on June 15, 1940 in Effingham, IL, and she preceded him in death on August 27, 2008 after 68 years of marriage.

Herbert attended the Effingham public schools, graduating in May 1936. After graduating, he went onto Brown’s Business College and graduated in September 1937 as an accountant. He worked as an accountant until being called to serve his country in the United States Navy during World War II. After his discharge, he returned to college to get his degree as a Doctor of Optometry. After practicing for 37 years, he retired in August 1986.

He loved his church and church family at First Baptist Church. He served as a Sunday School teacher, Chairman of Deacons, church treasurer, Assistant Sunday School Superintendent and Senior Adult Chairman. He served as president of Effingham Country Club, Lions Club, and Effingham High School Athletic Club. He was a member of the Effingham American Legion, Effingham VFW, and Cardinal Golf Club.

During his lifetime, he participated in such sports as track, golf, basketball, softball, and fishing, winning many awards. A great enjoyment he treasured was the fellowship with his coffee buddies at McDonald’s in the winter and his golf, fellowship, and coffee hour at the Cardinal Golf course in the summer.

Surviving is a sister-in-law, Bertie Franc of California; nieces, Colleen Miller (Ken), Colette Kirby (Doug), Lynn Karneboge (Rich), Susan Wiles (Eddie), Norma Hammelman (Gene), Elizabeth Jarquin, Barbara Reilly, Sharon Austin, and Pattie Tucker; nephews, Steve Austin (Pat), Charles Austin (Beth), John Austin (Kathy), Gary Austin (Jeanne), David Austin, Randy Austin, Charles Franc (Cathie), Victor Franc, and Ed Tucker.

He was preceded in death by parents; wife, Ethel; three brothers, Harold, Dale, and George; nephew, Richard Austin; brothers-in-law; Bob, John, Sid and Ray Kirby, and Chuck Franc; sisters-in-law, Faye, Lovie, Darlene, Marie and Louisa Kirby.

The family would like to express their gratitude to Ruth Westendorf, The Glenwood, caregivers, Janie and Nony, and to HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital.