Mr. Aaron E. Austin, age 81 of Grant, died Wednesday, March 3, 2004 at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Campus in Grand Rapids. He was born Aaron Elza Austin in Allegan, the son of Edna (Thomas) and Clifford Edward Austin on July 25, 1922. He married Beatrice Marie Rager on April 4, 1948 in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He was a retired Millwright. He was a Life member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4249 of Newaygo. He was a veteran having served in the Army during World War II from August 31, 1942 to December 3, 1945 when he was discharged as a PFC.

He is survived by his wife Beatrice Austin, his children Henry & Joan Austin of Charlotte, Thomas Austin of Grant, Beverly & Larry Hendrixson of Ravenna, Alice & Jim Oglesbee of Wayland, Sally & Bert Blain of Hopkins, Carl & Lisa Austin of West Olive, John & Jean Austin of Grant, Annabelle & Timothy Wicks of Hopkins, Peggy & Robert Morris of Hopkins, Robin & Doug Creighton of Lillian, AL, Danny Austin of Grant, Esther & Mike VanLoon of Bailey, 25 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, 1 brother and 3 sisters.

He was preceded in death by his parents Clifford & Edna Austin and 5 Brothers & 1 sister.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A. M. from the McKinley Grant Chapel, on Saturday, March 6, 2004 with Mr. David Joe Hatter officiating. Interment will be in the Parkview Cemetery in Grant. Visitation will be held 7-9 P. M. Thursday and 2-4 & 7-9 P. M. Friday. For Memorials please consider Hospice of Michigan-Newaygo County and/or Renucci Hospitality House at Spectrum Health-Butterworth Campus.

McKinley Funeral Home, Grant, 231-834-5613. http:\\mckinleyfuneral.com