Ernest Herman Austin's Obituary
Ernest Herman Austin was born on December 16, 1922 in Mansfield, Louisiana to the union of Eva Bolden and Frank Austin. He was the youngest of seven children and Ernest was known as “Goobe” among his Mansfield family and friends. He affirmed his belief in God at an early age.
Ernest was educated in the De Soto Parish School District, graduating from De Soto Parish Training High School, Mansfield, Louisiana in 1943. He was inducted into the United States Army prior to graduating from high school. Ernest was trained as a Postal Clerk while enlisted in the U.S. Army and was honorably discharged in 1946 with three medals of distinction. He worked briefly as a security guard at the San Francisco Presidio until becoming employed with the United States Postal Service as a Mail Clerk for 33 years. He joined the Allen Temple Church family in the early 1980’s.
Following his discharge from the Army, Ernest moved to California. He met the love of his life, Doris Lucille, while working at the Oakland Post Office and were later married in Carson City, Nevada on April 9, 1954. To this union they were blessed with one daughter, Allison Louise.
Ernest had many interests and hobbies. He looked forward to attending our annual Memorial Day picnic. He loved to listen to Nat King Cole. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening, reel-to-reel music recording, photography and summertime car traveling. He was often seen in the neighborhood doing his daily two-mile walk. He captured many hours of family events on 8mm film which he proudly showed when friends or family visited and he always kept a well-manicured lawn which he maintained on weekends.
Ernest was preceded in death by his wife Doris Lucille Austin, his father, Frank Austin, his mother, Eva Austin, His sisters, Marie Austin Hardy, Ruth Austin Pugh, Bessie Austin, Helen Austin and two brothers, Samuel Austin and Frank Austin Jr.
Ernest leaves to cherish his memory: his loving daughter, Allison Louise Austin of Oakland, his six sisters-in-law, Gwendolyn Marie Watson of Oakland, CA; Mary Coleman of Denison, TX; Betty Jean Davis of Oakland, CA.; Hazel Lilivan Butler of Oakland, CA, Ingrid Butler of Concord, CA; Marie Butler of Houston, TX; Wilbert Johnson, nephew; Lloyd Purvis, nephew; Elaine Horsley, niece, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his constant companion, Teddy the Poodle.
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