Irene Austin

Irene Austin, daughter of Walter and Mary (Walters) Welch, was born August 30, 1926 in Pope County, Illinois. She departed this life Friday, October 2, 2020 in Lakeside Meadows, Osage Beach, Missouri, at the age of ninety-four years, one month, and two days. Irene was united in marriage to Norman Austin on August 5, 1944 in Golconda, Illinois and together they shared seventy years until Norman’s passing on September 18, 2014. She was also preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Joann; and two brothers, Theodore and Neal. Survivors include two daughters, Sandra Austin and Charlotte Austin both of Montreal, Missouri; a son, Bobby Austin and wife Joan of Richland, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Leon Austin, Jesse Austin, Crystal Strickler, Seth Austin, Cody Austin, Vanessa Austin and Justin Austin; sixteen great-grandchildren, Casey, Hunter, Kolten, Patrick, Brooke, Landon, Mason, Brynn, Brystol, Maverick, Beckett, Elliott, Abigail, Pierce, Erin, and Collin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Irene grew up in Golconda, Illinois and was a graduate of Golconda High School. She had also received her degree in Elementary Education from Illinois State University in 1966. She began her career in Elementary Education at Enis Elementary in Springfield, Illinois and later worked at Pick Elementary in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri and retired from Laquey Elementary in 1988. Irene and Norman were avid square dancers and traveled the country participating in many square-dancing events for many years. She also enjoyed doing embroidery and working in the garden. Irene had a fondness for animals and enjoyed the many pets she had throughout her years. Irene was a devoted wife and mother and enjoyed the time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will treasure the memories she created for her family and friends. Graveside Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 6, 2020 in Freedom Cemetery, Montreal, Missouri. Memorial donations may be made to the VFW and can be mailed to Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home at 15 Clint Avenue, Camdenton, Missouri 65020