Joe "Mike" Austin

Joe M. ""Mike" Austin of Longview, Texas, formerly of Waldron, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, December 27, 2013, in Longview, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born August 6, 1950, in Fort Smith, Arkansas to Joseph Robert "Joe Bob" Austin and Marian (Johnson) Austin. He was a member of Parkway Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, where he was ordained a deacon in 1989.

Mike grew up in Waldron, Arkansas. After high school, he went to Arkansas Tech and then University of Arkansas, where he graduated with degrees in Agricultural Engineering and Civil Engineering. In 1975, he moved to Longview, Texas, to begin his career with his first job after college, and Longview has been his home ever since. Mike was a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and was a registered Texas Professional Engineer.

Mike met his soul mate(Donna Sue McCraw) while they were freshmen in college. They dated and later married, sharing 43 years together and raising two amazing children . After his children were grown, Mike began taking field assignments throughout the United States, in the UK and in Asia. Wherever his work took him, he and his wife enjoyed exploring new places and meeting new people, and he made friends around the world. Mike was a people person, kind, generous, thoughtful, patient and always willing to help; he was one of those people whose presence made the world a better place. He liked being outdoors, spending time in the woods and on the water. He enjoyed woodworking, especially lathe work, and turned bowls whenever he was at home between assignments. He considered himself the "Activities Director" when the grandchildren came to visit and played with them continuously; they were his pride and joy. Mike was a man of hard work for his family and he enjoyed spending time with each and everyone of them. The memories made with his wife, children and grandchildren will be treasured always.

Mike is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Donna Sue (McCraw) Austin; one daughter, Donna Santo; and one son, Daniel Austin. Papa will forever be missed by his pride and joy, his grandchildren: Madison Santo, Macy Santo, Katherine Austin, Noah Austin and Elijah Austin. Mike will remain in the hearts of his mother, Marian Austin and his brother, Robert "Spud" Austin. Mike will be missed and remembered by all that knew him and the many whose lives were impacted by him including, nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Mike is preceded in death by his father, Joe Bob Austin, and one sister, Lynn Marshall.

Mike's life celebration memorial service will be at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.

Mike's visitation will be Tuesday, December 31, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.


In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (P.O. Box 4464, Houston, TX 77210-4464), St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105-9959), or Hiway 80 Rescue Mission (PO Box 3223, Longview, TX 75606-3223).