Date Of Birth: May 23, 1947
Date Of Death: May 30, 2009
Mr. Michael Wallace Austin, 62, of Indianapolis, passed away Saturday, May 30th, 2009. Born in Paragould, Arkansas to the late Wallace and Jeannie Austin. At the age of 18 he went to the Polk Louisiana US Army Infantry Training Center where he served in Vietnam for 2 years. Mike moved to Indianapolis, almost 40 years ago where he spent most of this life driving 18 wheelers. Mike loved living in the fast lane. He is survived by his sisters, Sandra Teel, Beverly Douglas, Pat Austin, Marla Utley; one brother, Billy Don Austin; Three children, Michael Austin Jr., James Austin, Nina Austin; one grandchild, Kasi Austin; and serveral nieces and nephews. He was preceeded in death by his sister Barbara Smith. The family would also like to acknowledge Junior who was his best friend and partner in crime and Billy Garrett. Many thanks to Debbie Lawhorn for taking care of him and putting up with Mikes stubborness . He will be loved and missed. A memorial service is scheduled for 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at Soldiers Memorial Chapel at Fort Harrison.
Randi Redman says
HI Nina I am so sorry about your father… you and him are in my prayers . I lost my dad at your age also. Its hard but we get through it, we never forget and always think of the good times.
Rhonda barton says
I Am unable to attend the service for uncle mike but my prayers are with the family.he was so loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
Chastity McClaine says
Nina,
I am sorry for your loss and you and your family will be in my prayers.
Gina Banks Family says
Nina i just wanted to say how sorry i am for the loss of your dad uncle mike was a great person and he will be deeply missed my prayers will be with you daily and if you need to chat just message me on myspace ! Gina {Marlas Daughter}
Martha Jones says
My condolences to you and your family. My prayers of strength and healing go out to you and your family in your time of need.
Martha
Marla Utley and Family says
Mike was a great brother and great uncle. We will miss him dearly. I hope Nina and all the rest of his kids holds their heads up when they are remembering their dad because he was someone special to a lot of people. We love you Nina. You will be in our prayers
Terry Farr says
Prayers are out for you and your family, Nina.
Mary Goen says
Michael Austin was the most unique man I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Did not matter the mood you were in he always made you laugh and forget any problems that you did have. He was a wonderful person, and a GREAT friend. The memories I have of him are all full of laughs, and he will always be in my thoughts. My condolences to Nina esp, I’m was with Mike in the 90’s on and off. We went to Kings Island with my boys. My condolences to all of Mike’s family, his sons and sisters, brothers. Mike will be missed by me He was a great friend and listener, LOVED HIM.
Nina Austin says
I would like to thank everyone for writing about my father. He meant the world to me! He was big and tough on the outside but he was sweet and caring on the inside. He always made me laugh and I knew I could count on him whenever I needed him.
He taught me how to scratch off lottery tickets early in life and when I was old enough he showed me how to bet on horses! I’ll never forget the road trips we took and how he would never pull over unless it was to get Reese cups. He knew every road and mile marker and I really will be lost without him. His advice was alwyas – Do what you want to do and don’t worry about what other people think! He would do anything for those he loved and we were all blessed to have him in our lives.
He will be missed so much by my daughter and I.
Please feel free to email me directly and I love hearing stories about my dad!
Indy2vegas99@aol.com
Connie Prucka says
My heart goes out to the loved ones Michael left behind. I was introduced to Mike at Sandy’s Cove Ice House in Houston. He was funny and a loving brother. I can relate to loosing a sibling. Mine died in “97”. But he is a far better place than we are. He was alway’s bring something to share with Miss Sandy’s customer’s. God Bless Mike and take good care of his soul as I know you will. He has alot of friend’s around the country that will miss him every day!
Connie Prucka
6040 Oakcrest Plaza
Omaha, Ne. 68137
Amanda Mattila says
Hi Nina. Obviously I never met your father but it sounds like you were definitely two peas in a pod! Hope you are hanging in there and as always, don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything.
Brenda Johnson says
My condolences to all of Mike’s family, his sons and sisters, brother and all who loved Mike and knew him. He was a funny go happy man. I meet Mike through Loving Miss Sandy of the Genoa Cove in Pasadena, TX. She and my mom(Connie Prucka) are best friends and I always thought of Miss Sandy as a Aunt and Mandy, my daughter, called her Grandma Sandy. Mike would stop by miss Sandy’s Place and added a special glow to the place. He gave us some fig trees one time on his way through. He help Miss Sandy too while he was there or anyone else who needed help. He always brought a special light to Miss Sandy’s face every time he stopped by specially the times he just stopped by surprise. Mike always made his sister laugh. He will be sorrily missed by all who knew and loved him. I have no doubt he will be checking in on us all and looking over us from the loving heavens above. My prayers go out to all of you and in time you will heal as we keep his memories dear within our hearts. Michael W Austin will be remembered forever!
cherry_magik777@yahoo.com
BENNIE TAYLOR says
NINA, MIKE WAS MY FRIEND AN BUDDY.I WILL MISS HIM HE WAS A GREAT FRIEND.I KNOW HE WAS IN MISERY THE LAST SEVERAL WEEKS,AN IT HURT TO SEE HIM THAT WAY.I KNOW HE IS IN A BETTER PLACE WITH NO PAIN.EVERYONE THAT KNEW HIM WILL MISS HIM GREATLY.HE WAS ONE OF A KIND AN A REAL WINNER,MAY HE REST IN PEACE! DEBBIE THANKS FOR TAKING CARE OF HIM.
Connie Austin Laviers says
Nina, Sandra, Bev, Im so sorry to hear about Mike. I wanted to let you know, that he did miss a great experience with his son
Michael Jr., he has been a joy to me for all 38yrs. He has his father’s big feet, and his gambling
hobby. Since he moved to florida he has taken up surfing. He just cant leave the sports alone. I remember riding on the back of Mike’s motorcyle 8 months pregnant with him. Sincere condolences, connielaviers@yahoo.com