This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: AUSTIN, CHAMBERS, MOORE, HAGENBARTH, NEEDHAM, DAMON, HUNT Classification: Obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/an/RFB.2ACE/1760 Message Board Post: AUSTIN, Charles E. Age 88 Of Battle Creek Died peacefully at his home, Wednesday, October 20, 2004, under the loving care of his grandson, Chris Chambers. He was born August 3, 1916 in Battle Creek, the son of Roy J. and Nellie C. (Moore) Austin. Chuck was a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, and a 1934 graduate of Battle Creek Central High School. He attended the former Battle Creek College until it closed and then graduated from Michigan State University in 1939. He did further graduate work at both Michigan State University and the University of Michigan, and received a lifetime chemistry teaching certificate from MSU. He began his career at the Kellogg Company, working his way through college as an elevator operator, after graduation began working as an Analytical Chemist, and after 43 years with the company, retired in 1979 as Senior Manager of Corporate Quality Assurance. He was married September 9, 1939 at St. John's Catholic Church in Benton Harbor, to the former Helen H. Hagenbarth. Chuck was preceded in de! ath by his wife of 64 years, March 3, 2004. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Victor M. Austin. Surviving are four sons, Charles E. II (Jessica Ann) Austin of Lake Orion, Thomas R. (Sally C.) Austin of Delton, Dr. Robert J. (Jean) Austin of Kalamazoo, Richard M. Austin of Climax; three daughters, Mary Anne (Terry) Needham of Kalamazoo, Catherine J. (David) Chambers of St. Johns, Janet A. (Robert) Damon of Battle Creek; 17 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; three step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary Ida Hunt of Richland; and special friends, Shawn and Emily Hoban and their family. He was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church, where he was a member of the Catholic Athletic Association, a Minister of the Eucharist, a Lector and a Commentator. He was a member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Knights of Columbus, The Institute of Food Technology, Association of Official Analytical Chemist, American Association of Cereal Chem! ist, The Kellogg 25 Year Club, and a former member of St. Joseph Catho lic Church. He volunteered for the Food Bank at the Franklin Center. Chuck enjoyed woodworking, playing Bridge and was a member of the A.B.C.W. Bridge Club. He favored Big Band music, and played clarinet and saxophone in area dance bands, including the "Manhattan Mad Hatters" his own band, and with friends on Tuesday nights for many years. At the request of the family, friends may call after 5:30 p.m. Saturday at the FARLEY-ESTES & DOWDLE FUNERAL HOME 105 Capital Ave., N.E. Battle Creek where the family will receive friends Saturday 5:30-8:00 p.m. and then on Sunday 4:00-7:00 p.m. The Rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Philip Catholic Church 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 25, 2004. Cremation will follow services and his cremains will be interred at Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society, Good Samaritan Hospice Care or St. Philip Parish Memorial Fund. www.farleyestesdowdle.com Published in the Kalamazoo Gazette on 10/22/2004. (Posted by a volunteer-no family connection)