William Alvin Austin, Sr., 88, of South Whitley died at his home Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017. He had been in declining health.

He was born August 2, 1929 in Cleveland Township, Whitley County, a son of the late Frank H. and Martha M. (Speicher) Austin. His formative years were spent in Cleveland Township. He graduated from the South Whitley High School.

In 1948, he joined the United State Navy, making it his career. He served in Panama, North Africa and England before returning to a U.S. located Naval bases at Atlantic City, N.J.; Oceana, Va.; and Jacksonville, Fla. He was honorably discharged in 1968.

During his Navy career, he met and married Helen C. Press, also serving with the Navy. They were united in marriage March 17, 1965. Helen died August 23, 2006.

After their service, the couple moved to South Whitley. In 1978, they moved to Three Springs, Pa. and in Sept. 1981, they returned to South Whitley.

He worked with General Electric for about four years and completed his work career with RR Donnelley, Warsaw with over 10 years of service.

He is survived by two sons, Howard W. (Amy) Austin, Portland, Tenn. and William A. (Jackie) Austin, Jr., O’Fallon, Ill.; two daughters, Stephana L. Austin, South Whitley and Dawn Austin, Vincennes; nine grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and a brother, Gerald Austin, Huntington.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Anna Stump.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Smith & Sons Miller Chapel, South Whitley. Burial will be in the Marion National Cemetery at 11 a.m. on Tuesday.

Memorials are to South Whitley Food Bank.