Leon W. “Bud” Austin, 82, of Canton, passed away peacefully at home with family by his side, September 14, 2015
Bud was born August 11, 1933 in Ogdensburg, a son of the late Clarence and Emma (Watkins) Austin. He was a Korean War Army veteran and served as a heavy equipment operator. He later was involved with the Civil Air Patrol locally. In early years, Bud worked in the carpentry field with his brother in the Elmira area. He then worked with North Penn Gas Company for 31 years before retiring in 1995. Bud was a member of Canton’s VFW Post 714 and the Morris Run American Legion #167.
On July 26, 1957, he married the former Phylis Isaacs in Canton’s Presbyterian (now Ecumenical) Church. Bud was a loving husband and a supportive and proud father of his children; the family’s well being came first in his life.
Well known for his special witty humor, Bud was always ready with a clever joke, a big grin and a little picking; just to be sure you were listening closely. He was blessed with many friends. An outdoor enthusiast, he loved to golf. He also enjoyed many activities and hobbies especially hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, water-skiing and camping. He liked traveling, working with wood and could tinker and fix about anything he set his mind to. Most of all Bud was a kind and generous man, ready to help anyone in need and he’d never accept anything for his efforts.
Bud was born August 11, 1933 in Ogdensburg, a son of the late Clarence and Emma (Watkins) Austin. He was a Korean War Army veteran and served as a heavy equipment operator. He later was involved with the Civil Air Patrol locally. In early years, Bud worked in the carpentry field with his brother in the Elmira area. He then worked with North Penn Gas Company for 31 years before retiring in 1995. Bud was a member of Canton’s VFW Post 714 and the Morris Run American Legion #167.
On July 26, 1957, he married the former Phylis Isaacs in Canton’s Presbyterian (now Ecumenical) Church. Bud was a loving husband and a supportive and proud father of his children; the family’s well being came first in his life.
Well known for his special witty humor, Bud was always ready with a clever joke, a big grin and a little picking; just to be sure you were listening closely. He was blessed with many friends. An outdoor enthusiast, he loved to golf. He also enjoyed many activities and hobbies especially hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, water-skiing and camping. He liked traveling, working with wood and could tinker and fix about anything he set his mind to. Most of all Bud was a kind and generous man, ready to help anyone in need and he’d never accept anything for his efforts.
Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Phylis; four daughters, Judy (Phillip) Werkheiser of Puyallup, WA, LouAnn (Rodney) Itle of Highlands, TX, Donna (Paul) Walters of Aberdeen, MD and Deborah (Mark) McDill of Papillion, Nebraska.; twelve grandchildren, Samantha and Stacey Austin, Adam, Jason and Isaac Werkheiser, Nathan Itle, Justin and Christopher Walters, April, Anthony and Andrew McDill, ten great-grandchildren; two siblings, Edna Landon of Roaring Branch and Edward “Mike” (Dorothy) Austin of Troy, several nieces, nephews, cousins and many close friends. He also leaves his beloved canine, Chico.
He was predeceased by his son, Philip Ray Austin on Sept. 8, 2002 and three siblings, Virginia Roupp, Elwin Austin and Dave Austin.
Family invites friends to call Sunday from 2 – 4 p.m. at Pepper Funeral Home, 578 Springbrook Dr., Canton. Rev. Bonnie L. Browning will officiate the funeral service at 10 a.m. Sept. 21 with burial following in Grover Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded. His family will provide flowers and suggests memorials in Bud’s name be sent to The American Cancer Society, 1948 E. Third St. Williamsport, PA 17701 or to Susquehanna Health Home & Hospice, 24 Walnut St. Wellsboro, PA 16901.
Share condolences at www.pepperfuneralhomes.com
