Austin Angel

Quiet, strong, and independent, Austin Angel was the living image of an old-West cowboy when he was perched on a saddle. Just like those heroes of the prairie, Austin believed in responsibility, integrity, and protecting the people who relied on him his beloved family. Austin was born on May 30, 1919, to proud parents Glen and Letia (Austin) Angel. Austin grew up in Detroit, Michigan, along with his three sisters: Viva, Nona, and Maxine. Sadly, Maxine passed away at a very young age. Glen supported his family by working as a mechanic, while Letia stayed at home to raise the children. After completing the eighth grade, Austin left school to work at production plant in Detroit. He didnt usually make it home for lunch, instead getting his meals at local diners. One of these diners was Charlies Lunch Room, where Austin made the acquaintance of a young waitress named Laura DeHeer. Austin asked Laura out on a date, and as the weeks and months went by, Austin became more and more convinced that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with Laura. He proposed on top of Five Mile Hill in Grand Haven, Michigan, and the happy couple was married on May 4, 1940. Austin and Laura settled into married life, and it wasnt long before their home was blessed with two new faces: sons Jim and Jay. Austin had to leave while the boys were still young, however, when he was drafted into the Army. He was a medium tank crewman, and served from January 28, 1944, to November 19, 1945. He was stationed in Germany for most of this time, and fought courageously in the Battle of the Bulge. When he arrived back home in Michigan safe and sound, the whole family celebrated with a meal of crackers and toasted marshmallows! In the years to come, Austin would be an active VFW member. One of Austins first jobs as a civilian was driving a truck for Standard Oil. He also opened up a furniture shop with his father. They did every stage of the furniture making themselves, from cutting down the tree right up to sanding and varnishing the finished piece. Unfortunately, due to economic conditions (this was just after the depression), the business never really took off. In 1949, the family moved to Grand Haven, Michigan, just before daughter Mary was born. Austin loved camping with his family, and most weekends they would take the trailer out to Big Star Lake. Austin also took the boys camping in his army tent when they were young. On one trip, Jim and Jay were experimenting with matches and burned a hole right through the tent! Austin just shook his head, however, and said boys will be boys. Austin was a wonderful father, and taught his children a lot about the meaning of responsibility. He had high expectations for himself as well as his children, and as an ex-Army man he ran a tight ship. Although he was generally a quiet man, he had a deep, commanding voice when he talked, people listened! In his free time, Austin enjoyed all kinds of outdoor activities. These included canoeing, boating, skiing, motorcycling, deer hunting, duck hunting with his beagles, and fishing. Some of his favorite targets were walleye and pike, which he often fished for with his father. He also loved square-dancing, a hobby that he got his kids interested in as well. He belonged to Hi Neighbors in Fruitport, a square dancing club. As the years went by, Austin also got into diving with his sons. On one memorable occasion, they were out ice-fishing when a man at a nearby hole dropped his glasses in the fishing hole. Austin dived into the icy water and managed to recover the glasses (he has the picture to prove it). Once the kids had left home one by one, Austin and Laura moved to Robinson Township, where they started raising horses. Austin discovered a passion for horse-riding he was a misplaced cowboy, as one friend described him. He and Laura both joined the Posse in Grand Haven, and went on many group camping trips over the years. In the summers, Austin and Laura traveled to Arizona. Early on, they stumbled across a dude ranch and befriended the owner. He offered them free parking for their trailer, if in return Austin would work as his cowhand. Austin jumped at the offer, and enjoyed the job for many years. Although Austin retired, he never stopped working. He was in perpetual motion never happier than when he was working on a project. He loved being outside, and spent many hours in the pole barn, splitting wood, and working with the horses. He was also excited to be a grandfather, and enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren Kimberly and John. Sadly, Austins beloved wife Laura passed away in 2008. It was difficult for Austin to be alone, and he moved into Grand Pines Assisted Living Center. When Laura was still alive, she had often made Angel Bread to donate to the VFW. After Austin moved to Grand Pines, it was revealed that he had also participated in the bread-making. He baked a few loaves for his friends at the center, and it soon became a much-anticipated weekly treat. Recently, a softer side of Austins personality came to light with the birth of his grandson, Enzo. Austin and Enzo shared a special bond, and enjoyed reading motorcycle manuals together. Quiet and resolute, hard-working and kind-hearted, Austin was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his many friends and family members. Austin Floyd Angel died on April 24, 2012, at the age of 92. Please visit Austins personal memory page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can learn more about his life, share a favorite memory or photo, and sign the online guestbook.