Last Updated on May 7, 2022 by Fisher Funeral Chapel
Velma Austin, 81, of Logansport, passed away May 5, 2022, in the Woodbridge Assisted Living Center.
Born November 9, 1940, in Tucumcara, New Mexico, she was the daughter of the late James Marvin and Pearl June (Bowerman) Rose.
On October 21, 1959, in Kokomo, Indiana, Velma was married to Billy Austin, who survives.
Velma received an honorary B.A. degree from the Southwest Assembly of God University.
A devoted wife and mother, she was always there for everyone – family, friend or stranger. She lived a life of service above self. During their school years, she volunteered at her children’s school library. For sixteen years, Velma sponsored and led a Girl Scout Troop at the former Jefferson School.
Her passion for youth led to a wonderful 14-year career when she and Billy became caretakers of Camp Wildwood. The family lived in a trailer on the campgrounds and kept Camp Wildwood in pristine condition assuring a safe environment for the campers. Velma and Billy hosted the annual Maple Syrup Festival there, tapping the trees and collecting and boiling the maple syrup.
Velma was also an active volunteer with the American Red Cross, serving as a BLS instructor. Following their retirement, the couple lived in Livingston, Texas where Velma volunteered as a hunter’s education instructor, she was the “volunteer” college librarian, and performed mission work with MAPS.
Velma had a servant’s heart for the Lord’s work. she served as a missionary and a deaf interpreter. She was a member of Logansport’s LifeGate Church.
Surviving with her husband of 62 years, Billy Austin, are three children, Alrita (Kent) Morehead and Greg (Tina) Austin, all of Logansport, and James (Karma) Austin, of Washington, Missouri; one sister-in-law, Marilyn Boyd, of Tipton; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by three siblings, Jim, Perry, and Monte Rose.
A Funeral Service celebrating Velma’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in Fisher Funeral Chapel with Pastor Andy Weil officiating.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of the service Tuesday in the funeral chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Velma to the Mission Department of LifeGate Church, 831 Burlington Ave., Logansport, IN 46947. You may share memories and offer online condolences on Velma’s Tribute Wall at www.fisherfuneralchapel.com.