Fred Austin

Marion Fred Austin, 80, of Oklahoma City, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 26, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Oklahoma City. Fred was born on May 16, 1940 in Clyde, Texas to Winnie and JR Austin. He lived most of his life in Abilene and Yukon, Ok. He attended McMurray State University as a football letterman. Right out of college he sold insurance while attending law school. He was a private practice attorney for 30 years and served 20 years as a judge for Oklahoma City Judicial Systems.Fred was a passionate man and early in his life he heard the calling to help others in big ways. He loved the blessings of working with the Oklahoma Shriners and being part of a team that was positively influencing so many lives. He was a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Past Potentate in 1982, and held the role of Shrine Treasurer for the last couple of decades. He inspired others to enjoy the time on this earth, take time for each other, and always be counted on for promises made. He loved to cook and would cook for hundreds of people at a time. His chili recipe gave much delight, and some got heartburn.Fred was extremely loving and proud of his two daughters, Michelle Austin of Frisco, Texas, and Renee Austin, her husband, Jeramie Ritteleuchai. Renee's two sons, Fred's grandchildren, Mitchell Quinn Ritteleuchai and Graham Kingston Ritteleuchai of Dallas, TX, made him very proud. Fred is survived by his loving partner, Charleene, Little of Moore, Oklahoma. Fred was a loving man, father, Grandfather and friend to all.A special thank you to Smith and Kernke, Marcial Mitchell and Lindsay Ocker for their loving care and support.Visitation will be Thursday, October 29; from 5-7 at Smith and Kernke Funeral Home, located at 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73134. Funeral services for Fred will be at Smith & Kernke in OKC on Friday, October 30 at 11:00. Fred will be laid to rest at Rose Hill Cemetery in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For all expressions of love and care and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fred's honor and memory to the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Shreveport, LA.