Jerry Don Austin

Jerry Don Austin, 75, of Monette, former longtime Leachville resident, passed from this life Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, at his home. Born in Piggott, he was one of 11 children born to the late Shirl and Hazel Wiser Austin, was raised in Leachville and was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he returned to work for the former Brown Shoe Company of Leachville. He had also worked for Colson Caster Corporation in Monette and Southworth in Manila. In 2004, he retired from the former Chemlite Company in Jonesboro. An avid "tinkerer" and car enthusiast, he was a talented dancer and enjoyed dancing at the Monette Jamboree, the Jonesboro Senior Center, the Bono Senior Center and the Kennett Senior Center. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Burneal, Bondale, Eldon Carl, L.C. and Oneal; two sisters, Wanda Jean Lowery and Pat Smith; two sons, Michael Keith Austin and Richard Jarrod "Richie" Austin.

Survivors include his loving son, Steven Austin, and son-in-law Ben Henson of Atlanta, Ga.; his former wife, Pat Austin of Monette; his longtime girlfriend, Shirley Hindman of Tyronza; three sisters, Helen Poe of Monette, Melvadean French of Jonesboro and Geraldive Tuck of Valdosta, Ga.

He also leaves his grandson, Gavin Austin Sullivan, of Osceola and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members to cherish his memory.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at the Howard Funeral Service Chapel in Leachville with Rev. Mark Wheeler officiating. Burial will follow in the Leachville Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Ervin Sexton, Jackie Miller, Tony Austin, Kevin Austin, Shane Harville and Ronnie McFarland. The family will receive visitors Thursday evening from 6-8 at the funeral home. 

Online guest register www.howardfuneralservice.com