Aurthur Austin Jr.

Rev. Arthur T. Austin, Jr., 91, of Cave-In- Rock, IL passed away on Dec. 4, 2025. He was born to Rev. Arthur T. Austin, Sr and Verdna Barnard Austin on July 8, 1934 in Cave-In-Rock, IL and was delivered by his grandmother, Myra Barnard and great grandmother, Susie Barnard. Junior attended a one room schoolhouse and then graduated high school at Cave High, class of 1951. He achieved a scholarship in basketball and attended college to receive his degree. In 1956 he volunteered to join the United States Army and served for 2 years and was stationed at Ft. Totten in Long Island, NY. He then moved back home and taught elementary school for 17 years, was principal for 9 and superintendent for 3 years. He married Charlotte in 1966 and inherited 2 children. Their son, David was born in 1967. Junior also sold insurance for Country Companies and was a preacher. He was an avid reader and loved bass fishing.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Charlotte; son, David (Suzanne) of San Antonio, Texas; 3 grandchildren; 1 step grandchild; sister, Faye Oxford of Cave-In-Rock; brother in law, Ben (Loretta) Hohler of Wyoming; aunts, Laura Switzer of Mt Vernon IL and Norma Barnard, Harrisburg IL; several nieces and nephews and many cousins.

Junior was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother-in-law, Veldene and Jim Kenreck; step son, Dennis Daymon; step daughter, Rebecca Beavers; nephew, Tim Oxford and brother in law, Herb Oxford.

Hardin County Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. Services for Junior Austin will be held on Sunday, December 7, 2025 at the First Baptist Church of Cave-In-Rock at 3:00pm. Family will receive visitors from 1:00 pm until time of service at the church. Rev. Ed Lafferty and Rev, Mike Dutton will officiate. Burial will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Cave Hill Cemetery or Mt. Zion Cemetery.