Obituaries

September 11, 1931 to February 21, 2024

FRANCESVILLE - Gene L. Austin, 92, longtime resident of Monon, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 21, at The Springs of Lafayette.

He was born Sept. 11, 1931 in Indianapolis, to the late Lucien and Flora [Stark] Austin. He graduated from Southport High School in 1949. He served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. On Oct. 16, 1954, he married Charlotte A. Weilhammer at St. Roch’s Catholic Church in Indianapolis. She passed away Feb. 4, 2013.

Gene Austin

He is survived by:
Keith (Gloria Royer) Austin, Lafayette, Son
Elizabeth (Al) Zalam, Indianapolis, Granddaughter
Keaton (Baylea) Lyons, Indianapolis, Grandson
Riley Zalam, Great-Granddaughter
Katherine Kamiya, Tallahassee, FL, Sister-in-law
Several Nieces and Nephews

Preceded in death by:
Angela Austin, Daughter
Rochelle Austin, Daughter
Dr. James Weilhammer, Brother-in-law
Joseph Weilhammer, Nephew

Mr. Austin was a talented, self-employed mason and was considered one of the best in the area. He had previously owned and operated Austin Plumbing and Heating in Monon and briefly worked as a salesman for Williamson Heating & Cooling Products. Additionally, he and his wife sold Anrochkei Log Homes for several years. From an early age, he was a talented mechanic and carpenter. He had a strong work ethic and took pride in all that he did. He was a devoted community servant, having served as a volunteer fireman, deputy town marshal, town board president, North White Building Trades board member, and was a lifetime member of the American Legion. He also ran for county councilman at-large. If there was a building project in town, he would always step up and give of his time and talents. He enjoyed playing cards, listening to the police scanner, and watching Westerns. He also enjoyed arrowhead hunting, fishing, feeding the birds and squirrels, and nature in general. His favorite fishing locale was the Tippecanoe River and he cherished fishing trips to Spooner, WI and St. George Island, FL.

Visitation will be from 12 noon to 2 p.m., Monday, Feb. 26, at Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville. A military graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. (Monday), at Chapel Cemetery in Monon. Burial will take place at the cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Monon Volunteer Fire Department, Francesville American Legion, Indiana State Police Alliance, or Humane Society.

Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com