Earl "Sonny" Austin, Jr.
October 7, 1941 ~ May 21, 2020
Earl “Sonny” Austin, Jr. 78, of Taylorville, passed away at 8:05 a.m. on Thursday, May 21, 2020 at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield.
Sonny was born October 7, 1941 in Palmer, the son of Earl and Ivadell (Stahr) Austin, Sr. He married Clara M. Wright on May 19, 1961 in Palmer, and they have enjoyed 59 years of marriage.
Sonny graduated from Morrisonville High School in 1959. He worked for Oscar Mayer in Beardstown for 18 years, then worked as a district manager for Broadway Video, before retiring from International Paper. Sonny was a proud Mason and Shriner, and was also a member of the Illinois Black Powder Association, United Mountain Cur Association, and Moose Lodge. He was a family man, and loved to be doing anything outdoors with his children and grandchildren. Whether it was hunting, fishing, boating, or riding and breaking horses, Sonny was interested. He was instrumental in the reintroduction of wild turkey to Christian County, as well as the formation of Christian County’s National Wild Turkey Federation. Sonny also enjoyed his time auctioneering, calling square dances, and raising and training hunting dogs.
He was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Dawn Marie Austin; and sister, Sharon Austin.
Sonny is survived by his wife, Clara M. Austin of Taylorville; sons, Dane Austin and Garret (wife, Suzanne) Austin, both of Taylorville; grandchildren, Amanda (fiancé, Jason Chronister) Austin, Lacey Austin, Dalton Austin, Ben Passoni, and Adam Passoni, all of Taylorville; great grandchildren, Jadyn Chronister and MayCee Carron; sisters, JoAnn Dobyns, Vicky Austin, and Norma (husband, Gene) Anderson, all of Taylorville; and several nieces and nephews.
Private family ceremonies will be held.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702.
The family has entrusted Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin Street, Taylorville, IL 62568 with ceremonies.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
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I remember our younger days growing up in and around Palmer. We built soap box derby cars and raced them around the concrete square in front of the Palmer School on Saturday mornings. The good ole days. Sonny will be missed.
I love you Papa. Your going to be missed by so many. My thoughts prayers and love go to the family. I love you mamma.
Marie and Family my deepest Condolences. Sonny had the Biggest Heart of any man I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet. I trained Sonny when he started @ IP. He shared many stories with us and made our days much more enjoyable. The “girlfriends” and I had several lunch dates on Birthdays with Sonny. For sure he Loved Marie and his Family along with his many Adventues throughout his life. He will be missed. Farewell my Friend until we All meet again. Hugs Marie.
What can I say about Sonny. We grew up together as kids i Palmer. Even though he was older than me, he always treaded me as a brother. He and I shared so many days hunting deer and turkeys together with brother Allen. Sonny and I helped form Central Illinois Fantails turkey chapter in Springfield. Although I hadn’t seen him much the last few years I was alway proud to call him friend. Allen and I always suggested to him to write a book of the stories he could tell. Greatest sympathy to his best friend and wife Clare.
Sonny was such a wonderful man! I didn’t get to see, or talk with him for the past several years, but thought of him often! I enjoyed working with him very much. Big hugs and prayers for peace and comfort to you, Marie and family!
Sonny and I grew up as kids in Palmer and about a block from each other. Although he was older he always treated me like a brother as kids. As we got older, he and I spent a lot of time hunting deer in Pike County before it was popular, turkeys in Missouri at my brother Allen’s farm and helping organize Central Illinois Fantails in Springfield. He was quite the story teller. Brother Allen always encouraged him to write a book of his stories. Sure wish he had. They were very interesting. Deepest sympathy to his best friend and wife Clare. I know he will be missed Galen Johnson
Clara and all the family, my condolences to each and everyone of you. I am saddened to hear of Sonny’s passing. I think he was one of most gentle men I have ever known. He was a quiet man but his smile was so sincere. My deepest sympathy to all….My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Clara, Irene and I are very sad to hear about Aust. He left many happy memories and most of all he loved you and his family. Allen
Clara, Irene and I are very sad to hear about Aust, a great friend. We hope he did not suffer. Living next door we spent many days together and know how much he loved you and his family. Allen
Dearest Clare and Dane and Garrett: May happy memories ( our trip to Kenton Ohio etc. ) carry you through this sorrowful time. Wishing you strength and peace. Sonny was the epitome of satirical splendor in the FFA Jacket he found in the woods Kenneth Zelazny