Mr. Theo O'Neal Austin, Sr., 90, died peacefully while surrounded by his family on Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 at the family residence.

He was born on Monday, June 4, 1917, son of the late James Robert and Dora Dalton Sandfur Austin. He was born in Newark and had lived in the Trumann area most of his lifetime. He was a retired custodian for Trumann, Weona, and McCormick schools mainly taking care of the gym and was a school bus driver for the Trumann School District, a former Boy Scout and 4-H leader, veteran of the U.S. Army serving during WWII and a member of the Viva Drive Church of Christ in Trumann.

Mr. Austin was preceded in death by one great-grandson, four brothers, one sister and his parents.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Mrs. Florine Wilson Austin of the home; two sons, Aubrey Austin Travis and Theo Austin, Jr., both of Trumann; one daughter, Mary Helen Cole of Wasilla, Alaska; one sister, Betty Langston of Newark; 11 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren, several great-great-grandchildren

Funeral services were Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Viva Drive Church of Christ in Trumann, with Joe Lyons and Bill Willard officiating. Graveside services followed at the Blue Springs Cemetery in Newark under the directions of Thompson Funeral Home in Trumann.

Pallbearers were Charles Dean Stout, Tom Hills, Dalton Hills, Nate Hills, Don Wesley Cole and J.R. Stout. Grandsons served as honorary pallbearers.

An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.