John Austin

John C. Austin, age 73, of rural Paola, Kansas, died March 26, 2015, at his home. John was born February 27, 1942 at Kansas City, Missouri. He was the son of John R. Austin and Violet (Sutton) Gibbs. John was raised by his step-father Walter Gibbs. He was united in marriage to Virginia Louise Nading on September 13, 1975 in Kansas City, Missouri. John served his country with the Marine Corps, Navy Reserves, and retired from the Army Reserves February 27, 2002 after 21 years of service as a CW2 (Chief Warrant Officer). During his time in the reserves he was a Seabee in the Navy and an instructor in the U. S. Army Reserves. He taught NBC (nuclear biological and chemical warfare) classes. John was employed at General Motors Leeds Plant for 29 years. He retired January 1, 2002 from the General Motors, Janesville, Wisconsin plant. He enjoyed taking trips to Colorado, hiking the mountain trails and going on a river rafting trip. Branson, Missouri was another favorite place to visit, going to the many different shows and Silver Dollar City. John was loved very much and will be missed deeply. He was preceded in death by his father John R. Austin, mother Violet Gibbs, step-father Walter Gibbs, and sister Christine Gabriel. He is survived by his wife Virginia of the home; brother Robert Austin (Carolyn) and half-brother Mark Gibbs (Cheryl) all of Stilwell; sisters Carmen Mueller (Gary) of Butler, Missouri and Charlotte Acock (Dick) of Independence, Missouri; half-sisters Elizabeth Jaeger (David) of Independence, Missouri and Lora Lee Austin of Loveland, Colorado; many other relatives and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wounded Warrior Project.org. To leave a special message for the family of John, please click the share memories tab above. Holy Rosary Church (Wea), 22779 Metcalf Road, Bucyrus, KS 66013 Service: Monday, April 13, 2015 at 10:00 AM Visitation: No Visitation