Wiley David Austin

Wiley David Austin (a.ka. Bud and Dave) died October 15, 2018. He was born in Miami Oklahoma on September 25, 1940. After his father, Victor C. Austin, died in 1945, he moved with his mom, Ada Lucille (White) Austin, younger brother and three sisters to Michigan. It was not an easy life for his family without their father. After he graduated from Comstock High School, he enlisted in the army. While stationed in Mannheim Germany, he met Hannelore Schott. They married in 1962 and moved to the United States where he adopted her daughter. A few years later they had a second daughter. Dave was grief stricken again when his younger brother, Victor, got killed in 1968 while serving in Vietnam. Dave enjoyed spending time with family, friends and neighbors, and he participated in civil war reenactments for many years. Unfortunately, his wife died in 1983 following a six- year battle with breast cancer. Dave retired from the UpJohn company after working 27 years as a boiler mechanic. After he retired, he continued to enjoy spending time with others. He also liked growing tomatoes and giving them away to his friends. He liked going to church and being helpful. He enjoyed talking about a family reunion he attended in Oklahoma as he was happy to visit with so many family members. In his last years, Dave was plagued with many health issues, including dementia. He is at rest now. He is survived by his daughters Susan (Ed) Vanecek and Catharina (Scot) Green and granddaughter Hannelore Green. He is also survived by his sisters Mary Kilen, Margaret Johnson and Doris Milburn. He will also be remembered by many nieces and nephews. His parents are deceased. Dave will be buried in the G.A.R. cemetery in Miami, Oklahoma next to his father. No services are planned.