Paul Austin of Benton

Paul Austin, 85, of Benton passed away Friday morning, Jan. 11, 2019, at his son's home in Arizona.

He was born Feb. 14, 1933, in Zalma, Mo., the son of Earl and Edith Austin. He married Doris June (Neal) April 11, 1953, and she preceded him in death March 28, 2017. Mr. Austin was a veteran serving in the U.S. Navy.

He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Benton, where he served for many years as a deacon. He was a faithful servant of the Lord. Mr. Austin enjoyed gardening, and was an avid fisherman. After his retirement he spent a lot of time on Rend Lake, skillfully reeling in his catch that provided many fish dinners for his church family.

Mr. Austin is survived by his daughter, Carol Austin-Dornhecker and husband Bobby Dornhecker of Portage, Mich.; son Danny Austin and wife Christine of Benson, Ariz.; three grandchildren, Jordan Austin and wife Dominique, Staci Santefort and husband Matthew, and Stephen Lowe; great-granddaughter Grace Santefort; and sister Susie Downs of Beaumont, Texas.

Mr. Austin was preceded in death by his parents; wife Doris June Austin; granddaughter Naomi Ruth Austin; and his siblings Harry Austin, Addie Market and Virgil Austin.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 21 at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton with Dr. Sammy Simmons officiating. Burial with military rites conducted by the Benton American Legion and VFW posts will be at the Masonic and Oddfellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton.

For more information or to sign the online guest register, visit mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.