Virgil E. Austin (Hartville)'s Obituary
Virgle Edward Austin, son of Arley and Effie Ward Austin, was born March 1, 1919 in Wright County, Missouri. He departed this life Monday, December 19, 2011 in Hartville Care Center, Hartville, Missouri at the age of ninety-two years, nine months, and eighteen days.
On January 10, 1940, Virgle was united in marriage to Charlene Faye McNealy and to this union two sons were born.
Virgle was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Verba Crisp, Verla Mosley, Gladys Edwards, Paris Austin, Nolan Austin, and Margie Davis.
He is survived by his wife Charlene of Hartville, Missouri; two sons, Steve Austin and wife Joan of Springfield, Missouri and Roger Austin and wife Angela of Hartville, Missouri; grandchildren, Stefanie Burch and husband Justin, John Schaefer, Shawn Austin and wife Ashley, Rocky Austin and wife Michelle, and Dusti McCleary and husband Jackie; great-grandchildren, Bailey, Macy, Ethan, Jude, Grace, Quinn, Chloe, Gabi, and Miley; his brother, Billy Joe Austin and wife Dixie of Mountain Grove, Missouri; sisters-in-law, Sharon McNealy of Mansfield, Missouri and Ailene Lemons of Hartville, Missouri; brother-in-law Darrell Hensley of Springfield, Missouri; several nieces, nephews, along with a host of other relatives and many dear friends.
Virgle was born and raised in Wright County. After he and Charlene were married, he operated the Fusion store for a few years before moving to California in the 1940’s. While living in California, Virgle drove a petroleum truck for several years prior to moving back to Hartville. Upon his return to Hartville, Virgle went into the lumber business and helped to cut the timber off of the land that would become Lake Pomme De Terre. He also owned and operated a saw mill for many years, making and delivering rake teeth all over the country. Virgle later sold the saw mill and went into business as a hog farmer.
Virgle considered himself “the boss,” and lovingly referred to Charlene as “Ma.” He enjoyed talking politics with anyone who would listen and served as a Wright County Committeeman for several years.
In his spare time, Virgle enjoyed coon hunting, going to the coffee shop with his friends, watching his grandchildren’s sporting events, watching Cardinal baseball games on TV.
Virgle was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate his life and accomplishments and will treasure the many wonderful memories he has created for his family and many dear friends.
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