Everett Earl Austin, age 94, of Clinton, Missouri passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Clinton Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Clinton, Missouri. Everett’s wishes were to be cremated, with a memorial service to be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, March 28, 2024 at the Vansant-Mills Funeral Chapel in Clinton, Missouri. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Tebo Baptist Church Cemetery and may be left in care of the funeral home. Fond memories and condolences may be left online at www.vansant-millsfuneralhome.com.
Everett was born in Montserrat, Missouri on September 9, 1929, to Everett W. and Eva Valentine (Drinkwater) Austin. His family moved to the Clinton area when Everett was a young child.
On Wednesday, August 25, 1948, Everett married the love of his life, Wilma Fern Miller. They were married by Rev. Hugh Sperry at the Sperry’s home in Clinton. Everett took $18 on their honeymoon to Branson, Missouri and returned with enough money to take Wilma to the State Fair. The newlyweds returned to Clinton to make their home. As was the custom of the day, they were surprised when their friends gave them a chivaree. First, Everett pushed Wilma around the Clinton square in a wheelbarrow. Then, they returned home to find their friends had poured salt in their bed. They settled in to married life and the following year Ernie was born and three years later, Rocky.
In 1956 Everett began working at Osage Valley Electric Coop and retired in 1988 after 31 years of service. Everett and Wilma spent their retirement years traveling to Bluegrass festivals with their camper club. They enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona and Texas. He and Wilma particularly enjoyed playing cards.
In 1960, while living in the Coal community, Everett was baptized and was an active member of Tebo Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. In 1968, the Austin Family moved into Clinton, they attended Northeast Baptist Church where he again served as a Deacon.
Everett always enjoyed his free time. His younger years were spent playing on a men’s hardball league in Tightwad, Missouri. In his later years, he managed a men’s softball team for B&L Electric. He also enjoyed archery, croquet, shooting pool and golf. He enjoyed playing his guitar and singing gospel and bluegrass music.
On August 25, 2023, Everett and Wilma celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary. Everett was a good Christian man, who dearly loved his family and friends.
Everett was preceded in death by his parents, and infant sister.
Everett is survived by his wife, Wilma, sons, Ernie (Vicky) Austin, Rocky (Kathi) Austin all of Clinton, his grandchildren, Jamie (Kim) Austin, Jason (Kristi) Austin, Casey (Dustin) Rodgers, and Lance Austin. He is also survived by thirteen great grandchildren, sister-in-law, Hazel (Julian) Shoemyer of Monroe City, MO., brothers-in-law, Bob Yamamoto of Charleston, IL., and Billy Miller of Sullivan, IL.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.
