Clyde Lewis Austin

Clyde L. Austin, 95, of Junction City, Kansas, passed away on January 22, 2025, of natural causes at Valley View Senior Life Center. He was surrounded by his family and friends. 

He was born on November 17, 1929, to William (Sunnyboy) and Asoler (McQuiller) Austin in Maben, Mississippi. While growing up, he worked on the family farm, which taught him the importance of hard work - a lesson he carried with him throughout his life.

Clyde always had an aptitude for working with vehicles. From a young age, he was fascinated by how things worked and spent countless hours tinkering with engines and machinery. His garage was frequently filled with various car parts and tools, and he could often be found under a hood, solving problems. His talent for repairing things extended beyond vehicles; he was the go-to person for many household repairs as well. His family and friends will surely miss his expertise and the way he could bring things back to life with his hands.

Clyde is survived by his children: Shirley Ann Austin, Linda Ray Austin, Clyde L. Austin Jr., Linda Sue Austin, who resides in Kansas; Shirley M. Austin, Clyde L. Austin III, Geraldine Austin, Randy Austin, Mark Austin, and Avery Austin, who resides in Ohio; one sister, Irene (Dumas) Turner of Texas; a sister-in-law, Charlotte N. Dumas of Maryland, and a multitude of stepchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, family, and friends. 

Clyde is preceded in death by his loving wife, Annie R. Strickland-Austin; two children, Carol D. Austin and Clifton E. Austin; one brother, James R. (Kirby) Dumas; and two sisters, Mae Ola Austin-Purdy and Helen (Dumas) Smith. 

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to Harry G. May, Clyde’s longtime, dear friend and caregiver, and Monica Boyd Brown for her many years of friendship, unwavering dedicated support, and care.

A visitation will be held at the Johnson & Mass-Hinitt Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The funeral ceremony will begin at 12:00 p.m., officiated by Bishop Johnson, followed by a graveside service at Fairview Cemetery in Junction City, Kansas.