David Charles Austin

David Charles Austin, 64, of Jefferson City, died Monday, October 8, 2018, at St. Joseph Bluffs. He was born on May 26, 1954, in Owatonna, Minnesota, the son of John and Jeanne Ochs Austin. Mr. Austin was a 1972 graduate of Princeton High School. He received Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois and received a Master of History Degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 1982. He retired in 2009 as a Senior Historic Preservation Specialist with the Missouri Department of Transportation where he worked for 26 years. David loved his homestead and the historical significance of it. He was a long-time member of the Missouri Archaeological Society and was instrumental in the preservation of Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site which commemorates the campsite and lookout point from which William Clark, of the explorers Lewis and Clark, viewed the confluence of the Missouri and Osage rivers. He was an avid reader of classic novels, Illinois and Missouri historical publications, and the TV Guide. He was a master at word play and puns. David was an avid student of Aristotle, Plato, and Socrates, and a member of the Gunsmoke Fan Club. A man with a soft heart and a generous nature, he faithfully acknowledged family birthdays. He leaves behind his beloved cat, Angel. Survivors include his mother, Jeanne Austin, Princeton, Illinois; four siblings, Katherine Austin (Bruce Chandler), Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; Mark (Patty) Austin, Princeton, Illinois; Amy Austin (Deirdre Joy), Washington, D.C.; and Mary Liz Austin (Terry Donnelly), Vashon Island, Washington; nieces and nephews, Eric Herbolsheimer, Katy (Andy) Lindberg, Andy (Brittany) Austin, Erin (James) Morrison, Maggie (Phil) Ernst, Patrick Arabia, Eli Austin, Adelaide Elliott-Joy, and David Austin; and grand-nieces and nephews, Miranda, Alison, Zachary, Ella, Noah, Thomas, and John. He was preceded in death by his father, John Austin. A private family service was held on his property Wednesday, October 10, 2018. Memorials are suggested to C.A.R.E., 151 Ellis St. N.E., Atlanta, GA 30303, or Ozark Highlands Chapter of Missouri Archaeological Society, 9216 Railroad St., Jefferson City, MO 65101. Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to send condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.