B. Earl Austin

Earl Austin went to be with the Lord after a short illness December 11, 2016, a week after his 85th birthday. He was born December 3, 1931 in Seminole, Oklahoma to Helen and Earl Austin. He grew up in Seminole and Bowlegs, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Bowlegs High School. He graduated from Oklahoma A & M in 1953 and soon married Jean Fife, the mother of his children. He entered the army as a second lieutenant and served at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey where he was promoted to captain. He eventually went into the home building and land development business which would be his career for the rest of his life. He built thousands of homes in Oklahoma City and Edmond, and was the developer of Hefner Village, the first planned-unit development in the state. He was active in many civic organizations, including the Central Oklahoma Homebuilders' Association, serving as president, director and Life Director. He received the Builder of the Year award in 1967. In 1977 he met and married Patricia Catlett, his wife of almost 40 years. After their marriage, she made her career working with him in his business. Through the years they spent many wonderful summers in Carmel, California. Earl loved to fish and spent many happy hours in his bass boat on one of the many lakes in Oklahoma and Texas. His other love was golf, and he made many lasting friendships with his golf and gin rummy group at Quail Creek Country Club and later at Gaillardia Country Club. He was predeceased by his parents and brother, Robert. He is survived by his wife Patricia, sons David and wife Gina, Brad and wife Robin, daughter Amy Maron and Bob Rugile, sisters Mary Anne Smiley of Dallas, Texas and Nancy Crook and husband Gil of Tehachapi, California. He had six grandchildren whom he loved dearly – Colin, Cameron, Nicole and Tyler Austin, and Callie and Daly Maron. Earl was a kind, generous, loving man and will be greatly missed. The family would like to thank the efficient, dedicated and caring staff at Mercy Hospital ICU and the many angels God has sent to offer support and comfort. A memorial service will be held Thursday, December 15 at 11:00 at Quail Springs Baptist Church, 14613 North May Avenue, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oklahoma Medical Research, Quail Springs Baptist Church, Lyric Theatre or the charity of your choice.