Henry Whipple “Hank” Austin Lt Col USMC (Ret)
September 2, 1938 – October 19, 2021
Obituaries have next to nothing to do with death and absolutely everything to do with a life well lived. If you were fortunate enough to know Hank, you know he lived life with love, laughter, and optimism. Henry “Hank” Whipple Austin, 83, passed away peacefully at the Hillcrest Retirement Center in Papillion, Nebraska, on Tuesday, October 19th, after a long, and courageous, battle with dementia.
Hank was born to Samuel and Evelyn Austin on September 2nd, 1938, at the New Brunswick Middlesex General Hospital in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He graduated from Peabody Demonstration High School in Nashville, Tennessee, in June of 1956. Upon graduation from the Citadel in June of 1960, Hank enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and subsequently graduated from Officer Candidate School in December 1960. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. and graduated from the Basic School as an Infantry Officer in Quantico, Virginia, in June of 1961. While stationed in northern Virginia, he met the love of his life, Charlotte Small Howard, whom he married on June 23rd, 1962. Together, Hank and Charlotte would raise a family while spending twenty-two memorable years serving their country while stationed in various places along the east coast and Newfoundland. Hank also did an unaccompanied tour on Okinawa and two separate combat tours of duty in Vietnam. In July 1979, Hank would be stationed at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha with the joint command National Emergency Airborne Command Post (NEACP). Little did they know at the time, but Hank and Charlotte would make Omaha their forever home. Before retiring as a Lt. Col from the USMC in 1982, Hank received his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma. From there, he transitioned into a successful career as a financial planner until his retirement in September of 2005.
Hank never really retired though. Always a man of deep faith, Hank finally was able to fulfill a life-long dream of becoming a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. And, on July 5th, 2002, Hank was ordained to the Episcopal Church Diaconate. Hank would faithfully serve the Church of the Holy Spirit in Bellevue and at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Omaha. Hank also very much enjoyed his outreach duties at Mabel Rose Assisted Living Facility and the Eastern Nebraska Veteran’s Home.
Always enjoying the finer things in life, Hank enjoyed a good joke, a slice of homemade pecan pie, a fine whiskey, and a puff on his pipe. He enjoyed gardening, travel, and was a voracious reader. He loved his dogs and enjoyed playing golf, attending Nebraska Cornhusker football games, the College World Series, and, of course, spending time with family and friends. Hank was also a proud member of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Wherever there was a crowd, Hank was usually right in the thick of it.
Hank is survived by his wife of fifty-nine years, Charlotte; children Edward (Anne), Paige Breasch (Henry J.), Brian (Brenda), and Charles “Budge” (Angie); eight grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and sister Alleine Hair (Bill). He was preceded in death by his parents; son David Mathews; grandson Philip Meade; and many beloved family members, friends, colleagues, and classmates.
Hank always lived his life to the fullest. He chose to see the good in all things and truly touched the lives of many people. He understood people and knew when, and how, to lend a helping hand whenever it was needed. Until the end, Hank’s life embodied the motto of his beloved Marine Corps… Semper Fidelis. And, Always Faithful, he was indeed.
Reception of Friends: Wednesday, November 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m., Church of the Holy Spirit, 1305 Thomas Drive, Bellevue.
Memorial Service: Thursday, November 4, 2021, 10:30 a.m., Church of the Holy Spirit.
To view video of the Memorial Service, please click the link below.
https://boxcast.tv/view/henry-w-hank-austin-598394
Interment: Omaha National Cemetery
Military Honors: United States Marine Corps Honor Guard
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Church of the Holy Spirit in Bellevue, Nebraska, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Omaha, or the Class of 1960 Lila K. Whetstone Citadel Leadership Scholarship, care of The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC 29409, or securely online at https://foundation.citadel.edu/Austin.
5 Comments
Wow. What a loss for us, what a gain in Heaven. Semper Fi warrior. Will & Barb Morris
I rarely saw Hank without Charlotte and he was always happy and smiling. What a beautiful example of a life well-lived together. I will miss seeing him, but know that he is now without pain or confusion. My deepest sympathies to the Austin family and all those who loved Hank.
I cannot say sorry for your loss because we know exactly where Hank is. I have been acquainted with and loved Hank and Miss Charlotte for many years and you are some of my favorite people. I weep no tears at Hank’s passing, he is just squaring away heaven and starting a Bible Study so everything will be ready for us when we get there. With a fond salute from an Air Force Veteran, Vietnam Era. Look after David who went ahead of you by 3 weeks. You could make a good team . I love you my brother in uniform. Janet Arabella Baird Cosgrove
Charlotte. We are so sorry to hear of Hank’s passing. I’m praying for you and your family!
CAPT Austin was my co in Vietnam Suicide Charley Co 1966-1967 he was not only an officer but my friend he loved his Corpsman and came to the rear to say goodby to us when we left i haveseveral pictures of him brave one of my heroes i will miss him forever wish i could of seen him one more time to say thank you for being so good to his Corpsman RIP brave one
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