Ret. USN Senior Chief Michael Austen passed away Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Hospice House in Pinehurst at the age of 73.
Born in Warsaw, New York to Neil and Eileen Austen, he served 23 years in the US Navy, retiring as a Flight Engineer. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a hero and an honorary SF member.
He leaves behind his wife of 51 years, Helen Austen; three children, Stacy of San Diego, California; a son, Ken of Portland, Oregon and a younger daughter, Tiffany Bryan of Raeford; seven grandchildren, Gunnar, Greer and Gage of Portland, Derek and Monica of Raeford, and McKenzie of Fayetteville; and great-grandchildren Selena and Manny of Portland, and Liam, Eva and Emerie of Raeford.
A visitation will be held 3-4 p.m. Saturday, December 30, 2017 at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Ave. Raeford, NC. The funeral with full military honors will follow at 4 p.m. in Crumpler Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Baker officiating.
Online condolences may be made at www.crumplerfuneralhome.com