Kenneth Ray Austin

Kenneth Austin, 81, Altus, passed away as the results of a boating accident at Tom Steed Lake in Kiowa County. Funeral services have been scheduled for 2:00 PM, Thursday, October 29, 2015 at the Church of God with Bill Estep officiating. Burial will follow in the Altus City Cemetery under the direction of Kincannon Funeral Home.

Kenneth Ray Austin was born August 5, 1934 to Alvin and Pauline (Holman) Austin in Hobart, Oklahoma. He attended Granite and Mangum schools. He graduated from Mangum High School in 1952. Kenneth and Irene Mixon were united in marriage on May 29, 1954 in Mangum, Oklahoma. To this marriage three children were born. Kenneth worked at Puckett's grocery store from 1953 to 1960 in Mangum. He worked for Tastee Freeze, driving the ice cream truck from 1960 to 1963. He worked as a Security Guard at the Missile site from 1963 to 1966. He loved everyone and always welcomed everyone with open arms. He went to Germany on a Mission trip to start the Royal Rangers in 1990. He went to Kenya to start the Royal Rangers in 2000. Kenneth loved sharing his experiences on his mission trips. He loved to always testify about the Lord and what all God had done for him. He loved to encourage people and always had a smile. Kenneth worked Civil Service at Altus Air Force Base from 1965 to 1979, he then worked at Love's convenience store from 1979 to 1981, he worked at Kellwood from 1981 to 1984 and finally before retiring drove a bus for the Altus Public schools from 1984 to 2000. He served as Deacon for over forty years at the First Assembly of God Church, then served as Elder at the Church of God. Kenneth enjoyed visiting with people and sharing his faith. He started the Royal Rangers, a church group in the late 1960's and helped many young men. He loved gardening, visiting with people at Wal-Mart, playing his guitar, hunting, fishing, reading Louis L'Amour, Ralph Compton and William Johnstone books, and watching westerns.

Kenneth is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Patricia Irene Newton; three brothers, Eddie Austin, Donald Austin and Jerry Austin who was lost with Kenneth the same day while fishing. He is survived by his wife Irene, of the home; daughter, Debbie Cone and son Ray Austin. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Shawna, Kandi, AJ., Kenny, Jennifer, Bobby and Marion; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Butch Austin and brother-in-law Earl Mixon and wife Bonnell.

The Austin family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, Wednesday, October 28, 2015 at the Kincannon Gathering Room.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Altus Church of God or to the charity of the donor's choice.