M. Louise Austin

M. Louise Austin, 89, of Lohman, MO (formerly of Richmond, MO) passed into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father on July 28, 2013. Louise was born in Chapman, KS, the only child of L. Edward and Bertha P. (Marker) Branson. Following her service during World War II in the United States Army Air Corps and Coast Guard, Louise was a fashion model on the west coast. Louise and W. Roy Fox (U. S. Army) were briefly married in 1944. On June 28, 1946 at Portsmouth, VA, she married James A. Austin (USN-Ret.), who preceded her in death in 1982. After raising their two daughters, Louise earned certification as a licensed practical nurse (LPN) and served at Ray County Memorial Hospital for nearly 30 years. In her retirement, she enjoyed traveling throughout the U.S., reading, humming her favorite hymns, visiting with her long-time friends, and spending time with her family. Louise was a member of the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and American Legion Post 237 in Richmond. She will be most fondly remembered for her sweet smile, gentleness toward others, and her generosity as a life-long supporter of the Disabled American Veterans, Salvation Army, and Goodwill charitable organizations. In addition to her parents and husband, Louise was preceded in death by her brother-in-law, Bobby S. Austin (USMC) of Salton City, CA, in 2011. Louise is survived by: daughter Marie, of Lawson, MO; daughter Nina (nee Beleta) (Rev. Dr. Danny) Stewart of Lohman, MO; grandson Douglas R. (Melissa) Shaul of Mississippi; granddaughter Christine L. (Garrett) Thorne of Indiana; granddaughter Dana Stewart Pedroche of Texas; granddaughter Donna (James) Stewart-Martin of Wisconsin; twelve great-grandchildren, several cousins, and lifelong friends Selma Fox of Dallas, TX and Claudia Griffin, Pleasant Hill, MO. Private family graveside services with full military honors will be held at a later date, when Louise will be buried alongside her late husband at the National Cemetery in Ft. Leavenworth, KS. Memorials in Louise's honor are suggested to benefit the Wounded Warrior program or to American Legion Post 237 (Richmond, MO). Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.