Obituary of Cecil Austin

Cecil Austin, 87, of Idabel passed away Saturday, April 28, 2007 at his home. He was born August 31, 1919 in Healdton, Oklahoma, the son of Emmitt and Arizona Toole Austin. On January 27, 1940 he married Bettie Williams at Harris, OK. He was of the Methodist faith. At a very early age, Cecil could be found in the log woods where he continued to work and provide for his family until he retired from the logging industry in 1975. His activities and those who worked with him while logging were often the center of many stories he shared. He was considered to be a fascinating storyteller. Cecil loved being around people and always caught the attention of any listener wanting to hear a good story. He raised dogs for squirrel, coon and fox hunting. Cecil loved his dogs and enjoyed every minute of caring for them. Usually when you would see him, he had a couple of dogs with him, along for the ride. He was a member of the Fox Hunter’s Association. He was preceded in death by his beloved Granny and Robert; his parents; wife, Bettie Williams Austin; daughter, Sandie McGowan; sister, Mamie Gibson; half-sister, Onia Mae Titsworth. Cecil is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law, Don and Glenda Austin of Idabel, Bill and Freda Austin of Holly Creek, Ron and Donna Austin of Idabel; daughters and sons-in-law, Tressa Whitten of Anchorage, AK, Debbie and Mike Clepper of Arlington, TX, and Sam McGowan of Idabel; brother, N.G. Austin of Durant, OK; sister, Weedia Mae Pond of Tom; 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews, other relatives and many, many friends. Following funeral services, the interment will take place in the Denison Cemetery where members of the VFW Post 3916 Honor Guard from Durant, OK will honor Cecil with military rights for his service in the United States Navy during World War II.