"So sorry for your loss. Carol was a special lady always enjoyed our visits . We lived down the street from her in Vinita. Always enjoyed the Christmas displays. Prayers for her family."
In loving memory of
Carol Lynn Austin
December 18, 1942 - November 17, 2024
Carol L. Austin, 81 passed away November 17, 2024. She was born on December 18, 1942 in Boone, Iowa to Kermit Jewell Johnson and, Jean Marie Davis (Johnson). Carol graduated from Ballard High School in Huxley, May 1961.
After graduation, Carol married her high school sweetheart Don Lowman on November 15, 1962. In Iowa they lived in a few different locations, but in each area their stories involved their love of animals. They raised horses, Simmental cattle, dogs and cats. A few of their favorites were MaMa Bear (horse) Cinco and Buddy (dogs) and Smut (one of many cats). They lived in Iowa until 1980 when they moved to Oklahoma. Don passed from complications with diabetes on May 3, 1996. Carol was fortunate to find love a second time. Carol was united in marriage to Charles (Chuck) Austin on November 23, 1996. They resided in Vinita Oklahoma where Carol worked as an executive secretary at KAMO Electric Cooperative. After 18 years at KAMO, Carol retired in 1999. During their time in Vinita they loved working in their 3 gardens which led to opening Austin's Produce. Along with selling produce they loved canning green beans, stewed tomatoes, tomato juice, and salsa. Friends and family would put in orders for these. Another love was Christmas which for years they provided a great Christmas display for the Vinita community. Again her love for cats prevailed bringing Taz and Muffy into her life. Carol also ran for and became a City Councilor in 2011. She proudly served as a City Councilor for 8 years. After Chucks passing she later moved to Ames, Iowa in 2021. Carol continued to enjoy cooking, puzzle's, traveling and spending time with family and friends. Carol was a much loved member of Gilbert Lutheran Church.
Carol was preceded in death by her father and mother; Kermit Jewell Johnson and Jean Marie Davis (Johnson); her Husband's Don Lowman and Chuck Austin, her daughter Jennifer Lynn Lowman, son Mickey Ray Austin and her brother-in-law Jim Nutty.
Survivors are her son Johnny Austin & wife Nancy of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; her daughter Terri Gale Bernhardt and husband Don of Norwalk, Iowa; daughter-in-law Terri Lynne Austin of Cassville, Missouri, Sisters Charlotte Nutty of Ames, Iowa and Vicky Hermann and husband Gene of Huxley, Iowa; 8 Grandchildren and their spouses, 22 great grandchildren, along with many loving nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and family members.
Arrangements will be handled by Grandon Funeral & Cremation.
A memorial service will be held at 2PM on November 30, 2024, at Gilbert Lutheran Church (135 School St, Gilbert, IA 50105). Visitation will begin prior to the service at 1PM.
Online condolences may be made at www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com
Tributes
"Vicky and Gene, you were a blessing to Carol?s life. You helped her in so many ways. We are so sorry for all of Carol?s family, during this difficult time. With heartfelt sympathy, Jane and Greg Olson"