Lawthan McGehee Austin

Beloved patriarch of a large and loving family passed away Monday, 10 Sep 2012, 67 years exactly from the day he met his sweetheart, Willie Jo Brewster. They were married for over 66 years, after a whirlwind courtship. Slats was the son of L.M. “Mac” Austin, Sr. and Virginia C Wiggs Austin, and was born in Russellville, Arkansas 24 Dec 1922. Slats and Jo married on 27 Jan 1946. His family is joyous in remembering the wonderful example and enduring love that “Daddy Slats” shared with us all. Early in his childhood his family relocated to Artesia, New Mexico, and then moved on to Lubbock, Texas. Education was very important to the family, and Texas Tech seemed as good a school as any to Mac. After beginning Tech, Slats served in WWII, truly a part of the Greatest Generation. He was always responsible and did his duty, whether it was enjoyable or not. Shortly after his return from WWII he returned to Tech, and there he met Jo with friends when all were out for an evening of bowling. They both fell in love immediately and were devoted to each other throughout their lives. They had three children who remained very close to their parents; grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived. The children remember wonderful growing-up years marked by a strong work ethic, independence, education and faith. Family camping trips, swimming and water skiing were fun outings. Jo and Slats were always “one” in their child rearing, with Jo staying home to raise the children and Slats working hard to provide for his family. Slats was an electrical engineer by training and continued in this career for many years, relocating to Cedar Hills, OR in 1964. Slats worked for PP&L when they moved to Portland, and then he and Jo retired in 1987 from an engineering consulting business they had built together. In retirement they did some traveling, maintained close friendships for decades, and volunteered for worthy causes, including their church. If the world had more “Daddy Slatses” this world would be a much better place for humankind. Thank you for being you – your loving family. Slats is survived by his loving wife Jo, children Karen (Bob) Blum, J Craig (Jamie) Austin, Lynne Austin (David Carrano), and brother E.K. Austin of CO and many descendants and relatives who looked to him as patriarch, father and friend. Services will be at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church, 6300 SW Nicol Road, Portland, at 2:00 on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kaiser Permanente Hospice 2701 NW Vaughn St, Ste 140 Portland, OR 97210, in memory of Slats Austin. Arrangements by Autumn Funerals, Cremation & Burial, Tigard, Oregon.