Charles 'Mac' McKinley Austin

Jan. 3, 1927--Sept. 16, 2010

GOTHENBURG, Nebraska -- Charles "Mac" McKinley Austin, 83, died Thursday (Sept. 16, 2010) in Gothenburg.

He was born Jan. 3, 1927 in McCook, Nebraska, son of Charles McKinley Austin and Blanche (Hawkins) Austin.

He married Lois Leitner on Aug. 3, 1947, in Oberlin, Kansas. The couple had three sons, Terry, Tim and Tommy.

He enlisted in the Navy and served from 1944--46. He was re-called to active duty from 1951--53.

He worked as a barber and as a carpenter - mainly making cabinets. He later went to work for the U.S. Post Office as a rural mail carrier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Blanche Austin; son, Tommy; and two brothers, Doug and Eugene.

He is survived by his wife, Lois Rose Austin of Gothenburg; sons, Terry Austin of St. Louis, Missouri, and Tim Austin of Gothenburg; sister, Vernelle Austin; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are Tuesday, 2 p.m., at Victory Assembly of God with the Rev. Mark Borchardt officiating. Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association or the Victory Assembly of God Church.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Blase Strauser Memorial Chapel of Gothenburg is in charge of the arrangements.