Howard Austin

Mr. Howard V. Austin, 93, of North Muskegon, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 14, 2007, just 26 days after Bea, his beloved wife of 72 years. Born December 8, 1913 on his mother Marie's 18th birthday, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he attended Union High School (where he went "nose-to-nose" with Gerald R. Ford on the football field). While working in Detroit, he met the lovely Beatrice Helsom at a Labor Day dance in 1934. Despite great parental protests, they were married on Christmas Eve that same year and, with no more than a few dollars in their pockets, moved to Muskegon shortly thereafter. Howard eventually became an office supply salesman and later became a partner in the business, ultimately buying out the other partners and changing the name to Austin's Office Supply. In 1946, with a growing family, they moved to North Muskegon where he soon became frustrated with the deplorable condition of the unpaved streets with no drainage. In 1950, Howard decided to do his best to make North Muskegon a better place to live, and was elected Councilman. In 1954, with the streets still muddy, he took on the incumbent and was elected Mayor by 24 votes. After many battles and a defeated bond proposal, in June of 1956, a revised plan was approved by voters to create storm sewers throughout the city and paving on a great majority of streets. Howard's goal was achieved and he retired as Mayor in 1958. Howard was active in many organizations, most notably Old Newsies, which he joined in 1937. He served as president and later, with Bea and daughter Karen, performed the purchasing function, buying the gifts for the needy children. He was a former board member of Goodwill, active in the Elks, American Business Club and Masonic Temple. Howard loved golf and bowling and was a member of Muskegon Country Club and a life member of Lincoln Golf Club. He was a big fan of Detroit sports teams and was an avid hunter and fisherman in his earlier years. Howard and Bea traveled extensively and particularly loved cruises. They spent many happy winters in Holmes Beach, Florida, on Anna Maria Island. Howard truly lived the American dream--raised a family, created a successful business, made his little corner of the world a better place. He had terrific sense of humor and handled his eyesight problems with great dignity. He was an extraordinary man who will be deeply missed by family and friends. In addition to Bea, he was preceded in death by his father, Vern; his mother, Marie Barkenbus; his stepfather, Roy Barkenbus; and his grandson, James Howard Johnson, in 1990. He is survived by his children: Karen (Larry) Johnson of North Muskegon, Larry H. (Sandra) Austin of Spring Lake, and Tom R. Austin (Roberta Dardi) of Spring Lake; grandchildren: Michael (Bridget) Austin of Mesa, Arizona, Jeffrey (Ruthann) Austin of Anchorage, Alaska and Pamela Bea (Michael) Kraley of Muskegon; 7 great-grandchildren: Jack and Erik Austin of Mesa, Arizona, Katie and Tyler Austin of Anchorage, Alaska, Matthew, Megan and Emily Kraley of Muskegon. Private family services will be held. Memorial contributions may be directed to Community United Methodist Church or Old Newsies Association.