Austin grew up in Vermilion, Ohio amongst his parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He spent countless hours in the woods with his dog, hiking, building forts, riding 4 wheelers, going to the beach and swimming. He participated in 4H and won championships for dog obedience and other projects.
He attended Vermilion High School where he participated in track, cross country and academic challenge; he graduated in 2016. He also enjoyed running the Indian Mud race in Coshocton, Ohio where he overcame his fear of heights. He started reading at a young age and was an avid reader, he especially loved history and politics.
After high school Austin went immediately into Army basic training for airborne infantry at Fort Benning, Georgia and then was assigned to 509th Geronimo unit Fort Polk, Louisiana where he was a specialist. He married his high school sweetheart and had a little boy. Austin earned his parachutist badge, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and Army Service Ribbon.
Austin was deeply loved by his family and friends for his caring and kindness, for his wit and humor and his “bear” hugs.
Austin passed away at his home January 24, 2019.
He hugged like a bear, loved with all he had, touched us all and then he left.
Final Rest: Maple Grove Cemetery, Vermilion, OH
From his friend, Avery Lane:
“So I write, a lot, but I’ve never written anything about someone who has passed, especially when they were very close to me, and many others. But on the 24th it will be two months since we have lost Austin, and I just needed to write. So please let me know your thoughts on this, I just thought maybe it would help someone. so here we go..
‘Death is nothing at all.
I have only slipped into the next room.
I am I, you are you.
Whatever we were to each other,
That we still are.
Remember me not for the scars I left,
But for the scars I healed.
The moments of laughter, the times with music, beer, and wine.
Remember me as our good moments, the bad, and in between.
Remember me as what I was,
The ass with the attitude,
The best friend with all the care in the world,
The father who wanted the perfect family,
The son who loved his parents greatly,
The cousin, the brother, the grandson, and the loved one, who loved all.
Lastly, remember the soldier.
Who not only fought for my flag,
But fought for my beliefs,
Who fought my own battles,
My own demons.
I fought my battles to the end, and I have chosen to enter the next room, with love in my heart for all.
For the people like me, for the fathers, the brothers, the sons, the cousins, the grandsons, the best friends; the soldiers.
So please, do not remember me for my last moments.
Remember me for what we were.
For what I was, what I stood for, and what I believed in.
For those I loved, for those I would give my all for.
Remember those moments where we were together, where we were happy.
Where I was a household name, where we sat with our music, beer and wine.
Remember me for those peaceful moments.
Remember me for all the times that make you feel whole, that hold me close to your heart, just like I do you.
Remember me happy, remember us together. With no cares in the world.’
I love and miss you, Austin. Everybody does. I know you loved poetry, so hopefully this is something you’d like. “
#22toomany #OurHeroes are #NeverForgotten
Menu
